Eva asks: In the situation of a poorly completed test where it is clear either the student misunderstood the instructions or was truly ill, is it acceptable to ask for a “re-do” and record the score only on the second attempt? (9th grade spelling)
I absolutely encourage you to allow your daughter to retake tests. The goal in homeschooling is completely different than the goal in other schools. In a classroom setting, tests and quizzes are their only way to really assess kids. In contrast, our goal is LEARNING. Retaking a test or quiz can really help students learn. That’s why I believe it’s OK to provide solution manuals and teacher manuals during the learning process. My own son learned upper level math without my help by using the solution manual on a daily basis. I only took it away when he was ready for a test. I know the strategy worked, because he has a great grade point average in electrical engineering.
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Christianbook.com Curriculum Page
J W says:
Being able to go back over the materials in order to fix mistakes is one of the major reasons why my challenged learner is succeeding in homeschool. I record the scores before corrections, and my computer tells me the percentages are getting higher as time goes by. You don’t have to do this in order to tell if a child is learning or not, it’s just that I need something objective to look at when I’m feeling gloomy about the challenges we face.
Test taking skills and study strategies are learned, not “hard wired.” Take the time to teach these.
October 24th, 2008 at 7:58 am
J W says:
In a “real world” job, if you put out a product or service that is absolutely wretched, you’re toast. However, there’s always the opportunity to make the product or service better. Release dates can be moved, or employees can work overtime to make sure the deadline is met. Most of the time, companies will do the best they can before handing their “baby” over to the customer. Successful companies don’t just shove some half-baked product or service out there, they take the time to make sure it’s done right.
A school that doesn’t allow students to improve themselves is like one of those restaurants that consistently serves greasy, cold, soggy fries, milkshakes that have the taste and consistency of Pepto-Bismol, and overcooked burgers with limp lettuce. Sure it can deliver quantity, but quality? Yuck. A school that does allow students to improve is like a five-star restaurant that has served the city for decades. The chefs come from the best cooking schools and they don’t want to leave. The customers keep coming back because they know they can get the best steaks and lobsters in town. Great, now I’m hungry.
October 25th, 2008 at 8:43 am