I just realized that I sent home my students social studies test and forgot to put them in the grade book. I only had 4 kids get B's and the rest for C's,D's,and F's. I was allowing them to do extra credit to boost their grade. Should I ask for the tests back tomorrow or because they didn't do so hot just use the extra credit for their grade? I am a first year teacher so I am just curious.
2007-11-13 14:39:41 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
I teach 3rd grade
2007-11-13 14:39:57 · update #1
Give them the extra credit. They are just little kids. In the overall scheme of things these grades really don't matter much, but you will have done a very good thing.
2007-11-13 14:55:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well if that many did poorly, I would reteach and retest anyway. My first year I taught two chapters so poorly that I did that. The first time I just took the new grade, after discussing it with some experienced teachers I decided to average the grades the 2nd time.
Personally, I would just send a letter home to parents that the class average was a low C or high D (you decide what it is) and that you feel as a result, you would like to reteach and retest in a week (before Thanksgiving). This will both keep parents happy, showing you are concerned about how well you are teaching and their child is learning, as well as responsible...they will never know you forgot to put the grades in your grade book...and now those tests don't even really matter so it shouldn't be that big of a deal.
I would let your principal know that you are reteaching and testing (if this is what you choose to do).
I personally believe student's grades are a reflection of how well the teacher teaches. Are you really a C or D teacher? Probably not.
Good Luck!
2007-11-13 23:01:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If some of the students don't return the tests you could contact the parents and ask that the test be returned.
Even if all papers are returned, you may wish to tell them you feel they can all do better and just this once...deserve another chance. Include some of the same materials on the next test and use that grade instead. Honesty may be the best policy, but with 3rd graders, in order to inspire confidence I am not sure I would tell them I had failed to record the scores.
Your goal is to make sure they master the concepts you are teaching. Of course you want to give a grade, but testing can also inform your teaching. It allows you to determine what students learned and may suggest modifications to the way you deliver lessons.
Have you examined the questions that everyone missed to look for patterns?
Before you test you should have a good idea what they have learned. Be aware, that regularly allowing students to do extra work may lead them to believe that they do not need to master concepts, as there will be a way to raise the grade. Plus, it is not a remedy for ineffective teaching. As you progress in developing your teaching style introduce varied teaching strategies and make sure they have mastered the material before you give tests that impact their grade.
2007-11-14 00:46:53 · answer #3 · answered by ScSpec 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would really say to reteach the information, include some other ways for them to process the info (discussion, hands on activity, games, etc.) and then allow them to retest.
That many kids getting Cs, Ds, and Fs shows that they either have no clue how to take a test (in which case you may need to work with them on study and test-taking skills) or that they really didn't get it the first time.
And honestly, this is something that you'll work out as you go along. When that many kids aren't getting a concept, it's ok to stray from the lesson plan (advise your principal, if you need to) and reteach the material.
Good luck!
2007-11-14 02:56:22 · answer #4 · answered by hsmomlovinit 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would tell the students to bring the tests back. And tell them that if they do, they will get an extra 10 points (or whatever is appropriate). This will help there bad grade (you could curve the test) and teach them something about being responsible.
...just an idea.
2007-11-14 02:21:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have done the same as you. Of course, I did not let the kids know I did not record them. Mention to your class that you marked wrong some questions that were really right. And the only way you could raise their score is if they return the tests back to you. You will be pleasantly surprised how many students will return the test if they know something is in it for them. It works and I am a 20 year teacher...
2007-11-13 23:40:39 · answer #6 · answered by zioncanyon 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would just use extra credit of their grade. The chances of you getting all the tests back from 3rd graders is pretty slim.
Plus they didn't do so well
Give them a little break
:]
2007-11-13 22:44:09 · answer #7 · answered by perko23 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Sometimes I don't know how teachers sleep at night. I mean only 4 kids got B's, c'mon. It's not always the students fault, especially when it comes to third graders, but most teachers will never admit this to their students, or to themselves, they just keep handing out extra credit.
2007-11-13 22:55:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
always be honest and tell your students the truth.. ask them to bring them back in ,and you will give the paper right back after you record the grade. i would also reteach the areas that the kids made poor grades befor i went on to other work.then retest them
2007-11-13 22:49:34 · answer #9 · answered by churchonthewayseniors 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would review the concepts and give them another assessment. Their low grades suggest more instruction is needed.
2007-11-14 02:14:16 · answer #10 · answered by blondeboch 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋