How has the start of this semester compared with the start of the previous semester? What did you do similarly? Why? What have you done differently? Why?
The start of this semester has been much better for several reasons. First of all, administration has itself in a better shape and we don't have all the mass exodus of students due to schedule changes. These were handled before the break for the most part. I am better organized and I know my students better so I have had an easier transition. I don't feel like I'm talking to a bunch of strangers anymore! I have pretty much done everything similarly as what I did last semester.
The one thing I have done differently is to split up my pretest over the whole first week instead of giving a 200 question test in 3 days. I'm finding the grades to be much higher and the students retaining more information just from the test itself. I had even challenged them that if anyone could pass my pretest with a 70% or above, I'd give them $20. So far, I've had one student do that! She is also the same student who became the first ever to break my "challenge". This is where they purposely miss every single question on the test. This shows that they really do know the material. If they miss even one question on the challenge, they fail their test. They like this option (for those who think they can do it) and I give them $20 if they can. So far, I've spent $40 and I'm hoping to have more do it this semester!!
Hey,can I take the PRE-TEST? I need some gas money! I want to try my luck. My students would think your last name is TRUMP with offering $20....I've done something similar to this and they went bananas over $5 bucks..LOL
ReplyDeleteYall must make more than we do up here in the sticks. :)
ReplyDeleteDo you have a monetary limit to the challenge ? I have given my students incentives ( Flaming Cheetos or Capri Suns ) for class participation. They bicker over the winners of these items. I would probably have a "riot", if I gave $ 20.00.Excellent way to keep the students engaged. (smile )
ReplyDeleteIt's not a matter that I make more money than ya'll. It has nothing to do with that! :) I have to put a high enough price on it for these kids to want to try to do this. If I only offered $5, none of them would even try. I have only had one person to ever do this so so far it hasn't broke my bank yet! If I start having a bunch of people win, I'll have to rethink my strategy.
ReplyDeleteCan I take the Pre-Test too? I like your idea. It's innovative, and I bet it gets our students motivated right off the bat.
ReplyDeleteMy husband was a terrible student in high school, particularly in math. Then, he became a carpenter. I asked him how he managed to learn carpentry with such poor math skills, and he told me that it all made sense once he realized he could make money by applying math [to construction]. I think he was a typical poorly motivated student. Students who are not intrinsically motivated need teachers who can inspire them by creating tangible external rewards for their efforts and achievements.
Julie,
ReplyDeleteHold on to your hat! You are going to learn a lot about testing this semster you can implement. It is going to be fun working together in EDBT 4250 on this. Dr. J.