Clarification: half the class failed AFTER I curved them! I reviewed a whole class period for the test and even worked out examples that were ON THE TEST and still they missed them. Everyone seemed to get nomenclature when I guided them through a worksheet and a little over half got moles and stoichiometry on homeworks. Those who didn't got a long session of review and question opportunities, where I explained where they went wrong and how to fix it. I am afraid nobody will pass my course! I want them to understand it; I've had grueling sessions of problem explanation and step-by-step working out of problems and concept presentation, book and worksheet exercises (many didn't turn them in). They are freshmen and sophomores in community college, many taking chemistry for the first time. Many have trouble with math and I've recommended the available math lab. What else can I do? Take home tests? Extra credit? Anyone experienced with this problem?
2006-10-12 06:18:07 · 13 answers · asked by Black Dog 6 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
Ah, if only I could say it wasn't, Private U! The test WAS multiple choice, but of course you have to work out the problems to get one or the other choice. And they just don't remember how to do problems I've worked out over and over and even asked them to guide me through on the board in class! Maybe if I made the test long answer and have them show their work I could give partial credit, but like grudgrime and garfieldswingsquishy say, I can't lower the standards or else it wouldn't even be BASIC chemistry! And free_your_fancy, talking to the admins about prerequisites is a VERY GOOD idea! Thanks! I don't think these kids have the math they need for this course, and I can't get it across if they can't do basic algebra (and multiplication in some cases)!
2006-10-12 06:39:33 · update #1
By the time the kids are in college then they should be taking responsibility on their own.
It may concern you because you know that the administration will be asking you why half of the class failed. Be sure to be able to defend yourself if the need arise.
If the kids are getting 0's on homework because they fail to do it then it is their own fault. Quite frankly if they are not even doing their homework (which is practice for a test) then that puts them in the hole even without a 0.
Because it is basic chemistry I imagine that most kids are not wanting to major in chemistry or even science. They probably just want to get through it and be done. If they continue like this then they will not even do that.
It is their fault and not yours. I do not believe in extra credit. I think that it is the kids responsibility to show me that they have learned the basic requirements and not to do extra work (for me to grade) when they won't even do the regular work.
Pull aside the kids who are failing. Tell them what they need to do. Tell them that they may get help and then retake a test to show you that they have mastered the material. The kids who really care will take advantage of this. Those who do not care will keep their F.
2006-10-12 09:53:10 · answer #1 · answered by Melanie L 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Chemistry Midterm Exam
2016-11-09 19:08:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Considering that math in America is one of the lowest subjects. If they want to fail to repeat the class, then it is the classes problem. Pay attention to what questions they did get wrong. Believe me some of the students will work more for a better grade after they see the midterm. I went from an F to a C- in a class (not science) when I was an undergrad.
2006-10-12 07:57:07 · answer #3 · answered by brookie1977m 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was about to try and explain how I could curve grades without it being too obvious, but then I saw where you teach at college level. They have to do the work. If some are willing to put in extra time at a math lab, good for them. If not, they don't need you bending over backwards so they can get a credit in chemistry. Sounds like they are lucky to have you for a teacher in the first place. I had to take more than one college class over before I finally graduated.
2006-10-12 13:59:04 · answer #4 · answered by Alan J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
After reading your first few sentences I was ready to put the blame on the teacher...but then I read on and I see your problem! Wow. I agree that these students are probably not entering with the background they need, so in a sense they are programmed to fail.
BUT remember that these are not the students who were preparing for Yale, Dartmouth, Cornell, Princeton. Many may be the first in their family to pursue an education. They weren't held to rigorous standards in high school, they have poor study skills and do not understand time management. If they haven't figured out by now that college is a different ball game from high school, failing a midterm may be the wake-up call they need. Failure is a great motivator, you know! Like everyone says, give them the help they need but keep your standards high. Education is meaningless if it is not rigorous.
2006-10-12 14:02:32 · answer #5 · answered by keepsondancing 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I agree that your problem is that the kids don't have the prerequisites down. In order to demonstrate that, I'd suggest that you give them a "pop quiz" on the type of math that's necessary for solving chemistry problems. Grade these quizzes straight (not on a curve), and present the quiz and the grades to the dean, when you talk to him or her about prerequisites.
By the way, for the next class you teach, I'd suggest offering this "pop quiz" on the first night of class. Weed out the people who shouldn't be there, first thing. Otherwise, you'll be pulling your hair out, doing remedial math work, and all for nothing.
2006-10-13 04:53:27 · answer #6 · answered by Larry Powers 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You've said all the work that you did to help these kids be prepared for this test, but you also need to look at how much effort they put into it on their own. You may want to post the grades by an ID number or something other than their names and let the students know that they are responsible for their grades. Remind them of all the class time that you gave them in helping them prepare for the test, and tell them that they also need to make sure that they are understanding the work outside of class time.
2006-10-12 07:16:28 · answer #7 · answered by SmileyGirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you hit the nail on the head with the fact that they need math. There is very little chance to succeed in chemistry if math is mystical to you. If they failed, they failed. Please do NOT make it easier (as one answerer suggested) -- we have enough problems already in our education system with people catering to the lowest common denominator. It's odd that this would be their first exposure to chemistry...doesn't everyone take that in 11th or 12th grade?? Anyway - if they failed, they failed. Now they have to work twice as hard to pass or perhaps they need to withdraw and take it again AFTER they demonstrate a good grasp of the math they need to succeed. I would also talk to my dean about the issue of prerequisites for the course.
2006-10-12 06:34:00 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have been teaching for thirty years. I still don't get how stupid kids are. I give them a study guide the day before every test. The test questions are directly from the sheet. And yet they never look at them or leave them on the floor when they leave.
You fail a kid with a 40 on the report card and mother never bothers to call. And I see maybe 2 parents on open school night.
2006-10-14 10:26:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I teach Accounting and had the same problem.
If they deserve to fail, then they deserve to fail.
I was giving quizzes, practice tests, typed out homework answers, and nothing was working.
Finally I changed the tests a little so I can give partial credit. Usually, 30% is multiple choice, and the rest is problems, where I can give partial credit.
Hope it helps to know you are not alone.
2006-10-12 08:18:22 · answer #10 · answered by Jordan K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋