Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Grading with Contracts
I struggle with the idea of contract grades. While I see the advantage of outlining for students exactly what they have to do to earn a particular grade, I wonder if this doesn't allow students to choose a particular grade because they think they are incapable of achieving a better grade, or if they just don't care, or if they are juggling more than one project at a time. When a child chooses a lesser assignment what are they saying about themselves? I see myself in the role as encourager, facilitator, and believer, in students, so they produce their best work for a project. I just don't like setting "lower" expectations so they can choose that kind of option.
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2 comments:
Patti, that is where you in your best encourager voice, get them to strive for something more. I can see how you fret about this but I can't help but wonder what they learn about themselves when the only way they see themselves as being successful is through our nagging and constant reminders. I would rather provide repeated reassurance that they are capable of more, knowing that what ever was their outcome was on their shoulders and that they KNEW that. When they are successful they also KNOW it is all them, and not because of our constant intervention. If we are constantly bugging them to be successful and they are, what are they learning about themselves?
Patti, I can understand some of your points, but maybe you can look at contract grades as a means to lift up those students who might fall between the cracks, who feel defeated and unable to pull up to a level of passing. I agree, some students may cop out and only try for the lower grade, but I think it is a viable option (and maybe one that could be used only with certain students-like those who feel they can't measure up).
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