makeup exams
it is important to have in mind that you should be preparing another test for those students that were absent at the day of the test.
taking off some points is another methods that could be used.
When student have missed an exam, I have an alternate exam already prepared. The student has 1 day after the exam to take it. Anytime thereafter I deduct 10 for each additional day.
Jeanne,
Whatever the rules or policy is, it's important to adhere strictly. In the past, my efforts to help students by allowing a make-up exam was criticized for being unfair by students who took the original.
Barry Westling
I like the idea of using a slightly different version of the final exam. I have always taken off points for late exams, similar to late assignments. I put that inforamtion in the syllabus.
Cathy,
The good thing is you have a policy and are following it. One thing students appreciate is order and structure. Subjectivity tends to be viewed as "unfair", biased, or deterioration of the student/instructor relationship.
Barry Westling
I do both. I use a different version of the exam and also take points off for not taking the exam on the day it was given. The exception to the loss of points is if they have an "excused" absence.
I do like taking off points but only if it has been missed due to unforeseen circumstances.
Toni,
I think this is a good policy. It is difficult and impractical to implement in many settings. But we should prepare students for the real world.
Barry Westling
Kathryn,
Sounds reasonable, and something many instructors choose to keep things fair.
Barry Westling
Terry,
My two rules: being fair, while measuring learning.
Barry Westling
Rita,
I don't like to penalize students, but we also have to be fair.
Barry Westling
A makeup exam for whatever the reason simply means additional work for the instructor.
My makeup exams are usually more difficult, longer and are deducted 20 points.
It has to be a different exam and I believe a more challenging one to discourage missing the exam
I always take off 10 points for late exams. I explain to the students at the beginning of the term that I take points off because it is a penalty for receiving extra time to study.
Our school requires students to call if they will miss class. To reinforce this, if a student does not call out they are not allowed to make up the exam.
Ali,
Each institution and instructor should decide what the accepted policy is, then stick to it.
Barry Westling
Jesus,
A common challenge is wanting to be fair to all students, and yet, measure learning.
Barry Westling
I require a doctors excuse to make up the full exam. If I don't receive one then its 10% off every day after the original date. Also I do as well issue a different exam.
