make up exams
are make exams effective or does it does it just the students the chance to make a better grade??
Hi Vickie:
There are so many ways of tackling this difficult concept. What some institutions promote is an automatic deduction in grade percentage, used as a way to motivate students to be in class everyday in case there is an unexpected test.
The idea is that it promotes the same type of expectation that students will be held to in the work force.
Regards, Barry
My students are informed (verbally as well as in writing) the first day of class that I do not administer make-up tests; however, I drop the lowest chapter test grade for all students when computing the final grade. The student can afford to miss only one class/test if an emergency occurs.
Hi Nicholas:
No matter what system we use for make-up policies (including not having make-ups), it is important for the instructor to make the students aware of the expectations as early in the class as possible so they know what will happen.
Regards, Barry
Hi Marc:
This seems like a fair policy. I think one consideration should be the student understands the importance of being in class in a timely manner, and shouldn't rely on built in helps to pass the class.
Regards, Barry
Hi, Sahah,
I like this approach. It reeminds me of the good advice, from this course, about our grading systems in general: "Don't get yourself in a position to have to defend your grading system." With a clear policy like this, there will be no need to defend it and no confusion. --Gary O. Ackerman
Hi Thongsamay:
Most institutions have pre-existing policies about make-up exams that typically involve a loss of points built in in the manner you've described.
The idea about such a process is that it helps to send the message to the student the importance of being on time to class every time.
Regards, Barry
Hi Steven:
Make-up exams should be given out sparingly, with all expectations for grading laid out on the first day of class.
In general, this is the best practice for ALL assignments that carry a point value and can impact the student's final class grade.
Regards, Barry
I agree. I use a one time make-up policy with a scheduled date during the week of the final exam (with a valid excuse of course). I also require that the student make contact, regarding the missed exam, within 24hrs of the test date.
Part of my class policy incorporates a one missed exam policy or drop the lowest grade .
If one attends all exams they get to select one exam grade that is not counted in their final grade.
If one misses an exam that is usually the exam that is not counted.
If two exams are missed then each case is looked at on an individual basis.
Our school allow make up exams but there is a %deduction taken from the final score. Also the student who missed the exam will usually take a different exam then the class. So I don't think it really allows them to make a better grade.
Hi Maribeth:
Each institution and teacher has to decide what policy is appropriate regarding make up exams. I work at a large junior college but we have a universal policy institution wide: absoulutely no make up on quizzes, under any cicumstances, period.
For our college, that's based on an attempt to improve daily attendance. But again, each school has to decide what in the best interest of their students. Once guidelines are established - stick to them - no exceptions.
Regards, Barry
Hi Sarah:
Institutional policies are going to vary. Hopefully they're based on fairness, and consistently applied. Clear guidelines regarding retakes need to be stated at the beginning so if a situation arises, no one will feel there's special treatment present.
Regards, Barry
The career school I teach at has a policy of allowing an exam to be made up if the student has a documented excuse (e.g. illness, death etc.) otherwise a make-up is not granted. This to me is a fair policy and shows flexibility but at the same time sending the message that students need to be present and responsible so exams are not missed.
I offer a one time make up exam, and it is given on the night of the final. If more than one exam is missed, I feel the student really has little chance of passing the course. Their success depends on their commitment to being in class, most especially, the night of an exam.
Hi Ron:
I believe major exams measure overall course material. Therefore, students have to be assessed. I agree common sense or school policy needs to be considered when deciding how to address missed exams.
Quizzes are different. I work at a junior college and the institutional policy is absolutely, no make up of missed quizzes, regardless of the reason for missing.
This policy contributes to good attendance. And although there may be very legitimate reasons for missing a quiz, quizzes are only a small part of a number of measured assessment of competency (along with projects, written essays, exams, homework, class discussions, class exercises, and of course mid-term and final exams).
As in life, sometimes the student just has to take the hit for a missed assignment, even if it's beyond their control. But as I said, this pertains to quizzes only.
Regards, Barry
Every person has a reason why not to be able to take an exam at the scheduled time. I feel they should not have to be penalized for a legitimate reason! The teacher should use good judgement on whether or not a make-up should be given.
