Today my grade 12 students handed me their votes. I had not asked them to vote. They voted anyway -against having the test today! We had just finished the history unit that included the Greek "ostraka" procedure. They "ostracized" me through their votes for runnning the test today (all in good fun). So I decided to negotiate. They gave me their reasons for not being ready. I listened. A few legitimate reasons were brought forward. I asked what to do about those who were prepared to write the test. In fairness, they needed that opportunity. I proposed those who were ready could write the test today while the others worked on their unit task. Next class, we'll switch. Will the ones who write today give the answers to the others? Not likely, but I'll have to change a few things on the test for those writing next class, just to ensure an equitable oppportunity for all.
Two questions remain: will the students who were given the extension perform better? And finally, some said "thank you" for the extension. Was this a genuine thank you that will translate into putting forth their best effort?
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The fact that students voted and you listened showed the kind of classroom you operated- a democatic one. I feel it is healthier in a classroom to have students feel responsible for their own learning. Also the
ReplyDeletefact that those who were prepared were given the opportunity to write the test shows that eveyone was considered in the decision making. This seems fair as no one would feel cheated.
But just because they were given more time does not necessarily mean that they would perform better. For some it would be an opportunity to study some more therfore performing better while for others, procastination would be the order of the day.And if given the chance they would ask for another extension.
This scenario of pleading with the professor to change a test ON THE SAME DAY IT IS TO BE GIVEN should NOT change the test date! Since there was a vote, the majority of the class, (the procrastinators) - were not prepared! If the test was, say two weeks before & the students objected, then, ok - a change could be made to be flexible and accommodating. I believe that the majority of students DO cram for tests and leave studying to the last minute - I'm included in that majority! I would BE one of those students that would want to postpone the test and breathe a sigh of relief if it was changed! Procrastination is a bad habit stemming out of fear and avoiding something uncomfortable or painful! I can honestly admit that all my teachers/professors ALWAYS gave lots of time before ANYTHING was due! Sure, there NEEDS to be extensions and understanding for certain, exceptional individual situations and circumstances... But this seems like the majority of the class have poor time management skills and lack discipline in organizing themselves for the test they KNEW they had coming a while back. There might be a slightly better grade, but the real lesson is time management! The test is about what you have learned and absorbed... but unprepared students that cram for tests sadly have lost learning the material and missed out on acquiring knowledge and confidence in understanding the test/course. So, maybe the real question is "How can student evaluations help them learn and absorb the material they are tested on?" I believe that it is not fair to those few students that diligently prepared and WERE ready (psychologically, too) to write the test under the time constraint ALL students were given; but their collegues get EXTRA TIME and the opportunity to do better (maybe even get a better mark than those who wrote the test "on time")! The real world, with all its various deadlines should be respected and revered and this test develops the student into becoming a responsible citizen. Finish the work prior to the due date, give yourself a day or two before the test day to be ready to write it. So, if something does come up, you'll still do well, just the same! The professor could help the students be responsible and accountable in studying ahead of time for a test/assignment. In small systematic increments the prof could help scaffold the students to PRIORITIZE and budget their time in their weeks for studying, before the test/assignment. There could be mini-discussions/check-ups, as to warn the students that IT'S COMING! I believe that procrastinators will always be procrstinators. Strict discipline is needed to break this bad cycle and habit! CREATE better habits to substitute the bad ones! Show students HOW to be punctual and prepared for anything, even tests! I am a procrastinator/perfectionist and it is a struggle to get things done on time! I'm "chipping away"... whatever I do, bit by bit. So, "no extension for the test" and attend to the real issue, "giving students tools not to procrastinate for studying for tests... ANYTHING they do - in their lives and in their futures by developing good habits. The good habits will feel uncomfortable in the beginning but will be a valuable lesson in character development in the end. Finishing this blog is a testimony of just that! I've completed it EARLY, enjoyed writing it, pressure/stress free and feel great about myself completing it!
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