Here's what I have done, and it seems to work: I don't allow re-takes during the term, but I offer a comprehensive final (usually the last exam is not comprehensive) to anyone who wishes to take it. I make up an exam to cover the whole course, but a student who has done poorly on one exam can choose to answer only that part. (I only have to make up one exam.) I will replace their original exam with the new score. Not many students do this (because exam week is hectic). Of those who do, only 1/3 show any improvement at all in their score, and usually it isn't enough to affect the grade. But they feel they've had a break, I have avoided the issue until the end of the term, and occasionally a student really does improve. --Sue Cloninger, Russell Sage College, Troy NY [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--------------------------------------- Original Email From: Michael Lee <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Oct 09, 2002 04:51 PM To: Teaching in the Psychological Sciences <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Student dilemma Hello all, I know I've seen people on this list forward e-mails from students asking for advice on different ways of handling these cases, so I'm hoping some of you may be able to help me with this one. Now, this kind of problem is not new for me, but I usually get them at the end of the year, not after the first test! Since I did not indicate in the syllabus or at the beginning of the year that would have answered this student's question I'm not sure where to go with this. Should I just take the usual, tough stand and simply say "No!" Or, do some of you have ways of dealing with this sort of thing, keeping in my mind that I have b/t two sections almost 500 students who should then receive equal opportunities! Parts of this e-mail are pasted below. But first, I wanted to thank everyone who responded regarding my post awhile back about class noise. I thought I would let you all know that after that one class in which a student stood up and basically told the class to be quiet during class, the problem has pretty much taken care of itself! Some of you may consider in the future having a "confederate" of sorts sit in one your problem classes and do the same thing! Anyway, here is the "dilemma": Dear Mr. Lee: I am a student in your Psychology, L02 slot, my name is __________. I wrote the 1st term test on Monday, and was very disappointed to see that I did not do so well. And I was wondering if you gave make-up tests to those in desperate need? I have never missed a class, and I studied at least 20 hours for this test, plus I always do my readings. I really felt that I would pass the test based on the amount of studying I did. I left my home that morning feeling confident. The bottom line is that I know I could do better, and I was wondering if you would consider allowing me to write a make-up test? I can honestly tell you that I know chapters 1, 2 and 11 like the back of my hand. If this is not possible, is there a way that I can bring up my mark in the future? If you would like to arrange a meeting or contact me at any time, please feel free to call or email me. Sincerely, _____________________ Thanks everyone! Mike Lee Dept of Psych University of Manitoba Winnipeg, MB Canada --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Susan C. Cloninger, PhD Professor of Psychology The Sage Colleges Troy, New York 12180 office: (518) 244-2071
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