How do you spend the extra exam time given to students who need it?
I'm in favor of providing the extra exam time, even if there's no clinical learning disability but simply a desire to be thorough. However, if 95% of the class is done and you're allotting extra time for the other 5%, how do you occupy the early finishers without disturbing those who are still taking their exams?
Personally, I schedule tests as the last activity so that I have the option of dismissing the early finishers without affecting the remaining students.
I allow students who finish early to work on other assignments or read as long as it is quiet and does not disturb the test taker. I usually don't allow computer time since the typing and clicking of the mouse can disturb some students.
Hi Charles!
I like the idea of immediate feedback and is easiest to provide after a quiz than and an exam.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
i do agree on giving extra time not all students work at the same pace
We use MCQ format for most testing. I calculate the time it should take based on # of questions, then let students know by writing "Exam ends at ____" on the board to give them a heads up. The exam is scheduled before lunch break; any early finishers get a slightly longer lunch, and those students needing extra time can finish without disturbance. Their lunch break may be a little shorter, but students are more than willing to make this small sacrifice; one girl brings a bagged lunch on test days in case she needs extra time.
I also give my quizzes as the last thing on the agenda, so students can leave when they're finished, and those who need more time can take it.
I like your approach and will utilize it the next exam to be given. I have discovered that an exam will often focus a student's attention such that discussing the exam immediately after it is administered completes the instructional process (a process that has taken weeks of preparation and class)in moments. By providing extra time for completion of a test (and offering the opportunity to leave early ) I expect to be able to take advanatage of this focusing effect.
We give other work to the class befor the test so if thay get done with the test befor all of the rest of the class thay have things to do.
Well first i would need to know why a particular student would need extra time on an exam. If the student doesnt have any disability, such as language barrier, then they will only have the time alloted for that exam. However, sometimes i will allow students at least 15 minutes to study just before giving the exam.
My class blocks are 2 hours and I like to administer tests about 15 minutes into class. I find this gives students enough time to settle and take one last look over notes or get last minute questions answered. To combat the problem of bored finishers while not punishing slow test takers I allot what I consider to be a reasonable amount of time for the tests (roughly 45 minutes depending) I then add about an extra 10 minutes of "break" time to give students time to clear their heads. I write a time on the board for all to see and let them know when they are done to leave (or study quietly) and return ready to go at stated time. I am allowing extra time for those students who need it while not making it obvious. I also have a minimum amount of time students must spend with the exam (at least 20 minutes). I was always a fast test taker and find that having to look over my test until it was able to be turned in thwarted some common mistakes like skipping a question or not completely answering an essay question.
I use the same approach, Pamela. I automatically allot extra time for tests, allowing those who take longer some breathing room. Those who finish first may quietly work on other homework, or read ahead into the next chapter. Anyone choosing to take a break upon finishing a test may not re-enter the room until given the go ahead. It works for everyone.
we will schedule them to take it in a different room/space etc so that they may take their time, yet not hold the rest of the class back. it has worked ok for us.
I handle this a similar way. Telling students how long they have to complete the exam and when class will start. Usually it may be only 1 or 2 students who will need additional time. I permit them to finish the exam in our testing center, but with the instruction that it needs to be completed by the end of the day.
Hi RoQuanda!
I find that students do not like to add new materials before taking an exam. I know that I never liked to start something new because I had so much in my head from studying, I couldn't concentrate on new materials, and I did not want to get my brain scrambled. Also, students continue to read and study their test materials even though something new has been started.
Allot reasonable time for all students and give the exam at the first of the class. Then work with those students who just could not complete the exam and move on from there.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I like you idea. Usually, I give the examination in the beginning of the class and have to wait for certain students and in those cases lecuture is rushed.
Thanks for the tip on scheduling the test at the end of the class time, then letting the early finishers leave. I have had the problem with students taking so much time (dyslexic) that the rest of the class just gets bored. The students that finish early are generally the ones that have already done homework, read assignments, etc. I will this in my next test.
Also, some students are just slower at testing, I want to give enough time for everyone. I do not like setting a time limit, so testing at the end seems a great solution.
I also do that and we also have a testing center in our school so some students are given the option of taking the entire exam or finishing an exam there if they need extra time. That way, the class and I can continue when we are finished.
I have tried this as well. It seems to work great. The other students have been generous to them and caught them up on what they have missed. It has been good all around.
I have found that my students feel less stress by offering extended time to take the test. I have the students who finish start reading the material we will be covering next. I also allow them time to do homework from another class until everyone is finished. My class is very respectful and keeps quiet because I explain to them that everyone takes a different amount of time comprehending what they read. I also encourage them to mark the questions they are stuck on and come back to them after they complete the test. I am amazed that by allowing them the extra time they seem to all finish within 10 min.s of each other. I also make sure that once the test begins no one may enter the classroom to distract them.
I find it hard with some students to get them on a path that they can connect with in certain classes
