Re: Take home tests

Margaret Forte (MARGIEF@AOL.COM)
Tue, 3 Dec 1996 07:13:54 -0500

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 , has 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.