make up
I feel that sometimes make up test arent helpful if that student has missed multiple days .
Racheal,
Yes, I agree. Like many instructors, I've had students come to class just for the exam then leave (say, for illness, appointment, childcare, etc.). Students are usually really hyperfocused on points, and having a preventable deduction usually proves to be a good incentive.
Barry Westling
I have found that if the Syllabus states that they will receive a deduction of 10% off if they take the test late---students are more likely to show up.
Donna,
It's good to have established policies, standards, guidelines and best practices pertaining to anything graded. And discussing it on day one, along with other grading information in the syllabus is good too. Still, some students will persistently push the envelope I've learned forewarned is forearmed. The hardest part is when good students break the rules, but their cannot be exceptions. The last thing any instructor needs is accusations of favoritism.
Barry Westling
Fortunately the college I teach at has a clearly defined make-up policy for missed assignments and exams. I review this section in the syllabus at the beginning of the course and ask the students to highlight it. I make sure the policy is clear to everyone so going forward it is understood that this is the policy that will be applied.
Molly,
I think many instructors would agree with your sentiments. The difficulty comes with identifying "reasonable". Does that mean a hospital visit, a mere flat tire, or childcare conflicts. I think that's why many instructors will include a late exam penalty (10% downgrade) to dissuade students from abusing the good intentions of their instructor.
Barry Westling
I feel like if the student has a reasonable excuse then a make up exam is fine. However if a student missed an exam just because he/she wanted to blow off class then a make up exam should not be allowed.
Sean,
I try to keep my policies in line with what a worker might envcounter. In a workplace example, not many employers would allow an employee to just not show up too many times. However school is not work, but then we are trying to change behavior for the good of the student.
Barry Westling
My facility offers students a limited number of unexcused make ups. This allows for the occasional slip up but still holds the students accountable in the long run.
Misty,
This sounds good. I think each instructor and institution has to decide what works best for them.
Barry Westling
This is how our program handles make up test. The students have 2 days to complete the test and must have a reliable excuse.
Wayne,
I can understand this sentiment. The difficulty lies in what constitutes reliable or genuine need. To one student, failure to plan for routine childcare that results in missing a day is "an emergency". To another, it may be their personal hospitalization. While in one instance, the rationale is sound. The other may be just poor planning. Either way, I've found that by discussing these policies on day one, everyone know what the rules are and that makes it easier for me to exercise my policies without anyone feeling they're being singled out.
Barry Westling
Timothy,
I think instruction without measurement of learning is only a partially complete educational process. I allow make up tests only for mid-term or finals. Quizzes cannot be made up.
Barry Westling
I will give make up test if I can have reliable excuse for it
