I have never, nor will I ever, grade on a curve. The only exception would be
if the students could demonstrate to me that the lectures were inadequate,
and/or the tests were not valid. We have tutors available for them. I am
available nine office hours a week to explain any difficult material to
them.
I use to have some of the problems mentioned in recent posts, i.e., low
grade distributions. I started giving a one question, five minute essay quiz
during the first class that we began a new chapter. The quiz was on the
chapter that we were about to start. The students were provided the quiz
questions in advance. Basically, they were the 10-12 learning objectives for
the chapter. The quiz average determined 20% of their letter grade. This
policy encouraged them to do the assignments and study in advance. Test
cramers could only earn a B- in the course if they aced every exam. The
students will up to the occasion and work.
To me, grading on a curve is grade inflation.
Rip Pisacreta, Ph.D.
Professor, Psychology,
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI 49307
email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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