QUESTION:

I teach a 10th grade remedial math class.  My problem is this:  Very few of the students are doing their home and class assignments.  I am trying to get them to realize how it’s affecting their grade, however I noticed that whenever I give them a progress report they seem to feel that I am giving them their grade.  I want them to realize that they are earning their grade.  This week I plan to teach them how to calculate their current grade based on a list of assignments and their own marks so far.  I  will ask them to write comments about their progress––what they learned and didn’t learn.  I’ll also ask them to make a plan for the next two weeks. What do I need to be prepared for?

DR. MARSHALL’S RESPONSE:

Use the 3 x 5 inch technique explained here. As you planned, have each student complete the task of calculating their assignment marks to arrive at an overall grade.  Have them write their grade on the card.

The problem will be if someone puts down an academic grade of B, for example, when they actually earned an academic grade of D.  Have them review their calculations again while you watch and then ask them to justify the grade they have written on the card.  Remember that during these short individual sessions, you ask the questions. The student should justify his/her response, rather than you.

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Posted In: F. Improving Academics, I. For High Schools
posted On: August 24, 2009: 2:38 pm: By Kerry Weisner
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