> I am thinking of my first Take Home test tomorrow. Not by choice, but
> because a test is scheduled but out afternoon classes yesterday were
> canceled. My morning class met and I spent time going over a Practice test
> and working any problems on the board that they requested. That class will
> take their test tomorrow in the usual way. The afternoon class , since it
> was canceled , hs not had a chance to see the answers to the practice test,
> etc. Since we only have one more week in the semester and more material that
> needs to be covered, my solution seems to be to spend tomorrow's class going
> over the Practice test and then letting them take the test at home.
>
> Now, my question is:
>
> What instructions should I give them. Should I tell them they are on their
> honor not to get help? Should I just give them the test and tell them when I
> want it back and not give too much in the way of instructions, since I can't
> enforce them anyway? Should I tell them it's fine to work together (even
> though the other class will be working alone?)
>
> I'd love to hear some advice from others who have tried take home tests.
>
> Margaret Forte
>
> P.S. This class is non-credit Developmental Math (Introductory Algebra).
>
I have been giving a take home final exam as part of my final exam
grade in beginning Algebra for the past several years. I give it to the
students about 10 days before the last day of class or the last Friday of
the term whichever comes first I tell them that they may work alone,
with others in the class, but they may not get help from the the tutors.
I also give the academic support center(where our tutors are housed) a
copy of the take home so they know not to help students with those
problems.I have found that students who are serious about their grade
will work together, argue their solutions and in general learn a lot
throught the process. They generally do well on the take home. The
students who are just there for seat time will not put in the effort to
really shine and they do mediocre to poorly.
You are right ! You can't really enforce with whom they work, so
encourage collaboration. I do request that students list with whom they
have worked on their paper. I encourage them to use their textbooks to
seek out problems that are similar in nature. As I get the time (or set
the priority) I hope to do the same with all my courses.
I also give students shor take home quizzes or projects and
encourage them to work together. What one doesn't think of, someone else
will.
Go for it!
Barb Schewe
Anoka-Ramsey Community College
Coon Rapids, MN