Dr. Mcleod posted what seemed to be a
very simple question "Are we doing what are best for our students, or are
we doing what is most convenient for us? At the school where I taught for a
short time, Mainland High, students were allowed to take tests over until they
passed, homework did not count toward grades and school work did not count
toward grades. Only tests, quizzes, projects, and lab experiments were used to
determine grades. I do not think that this was best for either students or
convenient for teachers. Students would come into the classroom the day of the
test and say they were too tired to take the test and would then Christmas tree
their answers. Every week there was time set aside for students who did not
pass test to retake them. Teachers would forgo their lunches to supervise the
retaking of test for some students who would once again Christmas tree their
answers hoping they would get a better grade. This does not prepare students
for the real world. If anything it is pushing many students through the system
without them actually learning or using critical think skills.
According to Dr. Gary
Borich (2007) “Positive reinforcement occurs when a desired stimuli or reward
you provide after a behavior increases in frequency of occurrence” I believe by
allowing students to retake tests until they pass, schools are actually
providing positive reinforcement for unwanted behavior.
References
Borich, G. D.
(2007). Effective teaching methods: Research-based practice (6th ed.).
Upper Saddle River, NJ, NJ: Pearson Merrill/Prentice Hall.
