This definitely looks like a trend and it is nice to have hard data on a phenomenon that usually is only based on vague impressions and opinion. Thanks.
Bill Scott >>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 05/16/06 2:43 PM >>> I've noted over the past few years that more students in my Introductory Behavior Analysis course are settling for B's - not even attempting to get an A. Since I use a unit/mastery system this can be quantified: The most common (generally easiest) way to get a grade of B is to complete all eleven test units and three (out of six) projects. Therefore, handing in a report on the fourth project is a good proxy for attempting an A. When I started teaching this way 35 years ago the model course grade was A. Over the past decade or so the mode has shifted down to B. This does NOT seem to be due to a poorer level of student performance; they do just as well on the work that they attempt -- they just don't attempt as much. I've attached a graph of the number of students handing in a report on the fourth course project over the past five years (I'm not sure if this listserv will allow attachments, so it's also available on my Web site at http://krypton.mnsu.edu/~pkbrando/AttemptingA.pdf). You can see that the number of students attempting an A has gone down from about 18 (section size is about 25) five years ago to 7 this semester. There's the variability one would expect from this sample size, but the trend seems compelling. The text, Lab Manual and course requirements have not changed over this period. Therefore, the change is in either my behavior or that of my students. Comments? -- The best argument against Intelligent Design is that fact that people believe in it. * PAUL K. BRANDON [EMAIL PROTECTED] * * Psychology Dept Minnesota State University * * 23 Armstrong Hall, Mankato, MN 56001 ph 507-389-6217 * * http://krypton.mnsu.edu/~pkbrando/ * --- To make changes to your subscription go to: http://acsun.frostburg.edu/cgi-bin/lyris.pl?enter=tips&text_mode=0&lang=english
