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.
Mainland High School has a very interesting view on student achievement. The quote by Dr. Gary Borich summarizes your view on Mainland High school policy. Students are given too many passes for achievement. The students are not rising to their potential. I do agree that this not best for the students. If students are using the Christmas tree method on tests, then they are not taking their education serious. This could be because no one is enforcing that they do when they are given chances to repeat mistakes. Have teachers expressed their concerns to the principal. It’s hard to determine if teachers are doing what is convenient for them, or simply following protocol. By your statement it seems that some teachers are just following protocol.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to read your post, as I had not previously thought about how some changes being made to schools may not be best for students or convenient to teachers. Often times, administrators and other “higher ups” make changes that neither benefits the student, or the teacher, although they may believe it does. I think it is an interesting concept that this school allowed to students to make up all of their work. I understand the thought of allowing students an opportunity to improve, but I can see why this would become inconvenient for teachers, while also not being a best case scenario for student learning. It is interesting to see the different situations in various schools.
ReplyDeleteIt is intriguing to read your post. Sometimes students need some incentive, since they are young, they probably don’t know why they come to school, and why they need to learn something they may not very interested in. I do not agree with your school policy, “…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 think homework and schoolwork are fundamental, which students have responsibility to accomplish in a good degree. In addition, tests, quizzes and projects are based on what they learn from their studies. If a school has such flexible policy, I can not imagine how serious their students will take their study.
ReplyDeleteYun
I am guilty of doing what is convenient for me...at times. I mean, how can one be expected to issue 22 different exams to accommodate 22 different learning styles? My method is to use a combination of styles, because it is easy for me to do.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right...if we continue to allow students to retake exams they are getting a mixed signal.....why should I study, the teacher will let me take it over.... And perhaps that is why I have 6th graders who don't know how to read (literally)...or why we have 16 year old 8th graders, who can't (or will not) pass high stakes testing.
I do think there is an answer. It is what I call my 12 year plan. Give me 12 years, and every graduating senior will be college ready. Starting this year, NO first grade student will be promoted unless they can perform (with mastery) the first grade common core standards. Those who can perform will be promoted. Those who can't perform will HAVE TO be retained in the first grade. The cycle continues for second graders. And by the time the kids hit 12th grade, they should have all of the necessary skills to be successful in college, and in life.
Are there flaws...yes. Mainly, money.
:)
Mike N
mmike5150