RE: [tips] Question about Exam Scores

[FRANTZ, SUE]

These class averages mesh with mine.    I also fall into the no-curve camp.  However, I do allow a higher score on the final to replace the total of the unit exams.  "This is the information I want you to show me that you know, and I'll give you a second chance to do that."   For what may be an eye opener, ask your students to anonymously report how much time they put into studying for the test.  And if you have the opportunity in one-on-one conversations, ask how they studied.  For some students, the amount of time and energy they put into the course may not be as much as you or they would like, but because of other commitments, it's what they can manage, and a C in your course may be perfectly acceptable to them.   For those it's not, point them to Russ Dewey's "Six Hour D": http://www.psywww.com/discuss/chap00/6hourd.htm   -- Sue Frantz                 Highline Community College       Psychology                Des Moines, WA 206.878.3710 x3404    [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://flightline.highline.edu/sfrantz/ -- APA Division 2: Society for the Teaching of Psychology http://teachpsych.org/ Office of Teaching Resources in Psychology Associate Director Project Syllabus http://teachpsych.org/otrp/syllabi/syllabi.php From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Mon 11/12/2007 3:29 PM To: Teaching in the Psychological Sciences (TIPS) Subject: [tips] Question about Exam Scores Dear Colleagues:   I teach at the community college, and this semester my teaching load is four courses.  Today, I administered the second exam in all of my courses and just scored each of them.  The average for each class is as follows   Class 1- N=27 70% average raw score Class 2- N=31 66% average raw score Class 3- N=29 67% average raw score Class 4- N=30 67% average raw score   The exam consisted of 50 multiple choice items and scored on a 100% scale.  My colleagues at my campus are divided, some say that they deserve the score they get, others will curve the exam scores.  In fact several of my students asked if I would curve even before I handed out the answer forms and exam booklets.   Each semester I do have a handful of students who do not test very well, however this semester I seem to have more of those that do not test well or are not studying adequately for my exam.  In each class three students scored 90% or higher    My question is as follows   At what point does one scale or curve the results and are there any specific methods of doing so?    Thanks   Albert Bramante Department of Psychology/Sociology Union County College [EMAIL PROTECTED] See what's new at AOL.com and Make AOL Your Homepage. --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) ---To make changes to your subscription contact:Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED])