Christine et al.:

At the suggestion of a student, I give 4 point, if they get it on the first scratch; then 2 points on the second scratch, then 1, and then .5. 

The students think this is funny.  It's obsessively complicated but they also appreciating the logic/fairness, that it is much better to get it on the first scratch than the second scratch. 

Best,  Fritz Laux
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On Tue, Oct 6, 2009 at 5:30 AM, Christine Kuramoto < [log in to unmask]> wrote:

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone uses the if-at in a strictly 'right or wrong' way rather than 3 points for correct answer, 2 on second try, 1 on third (or whatever other variation).  I've used the system for both the iRAT and tRAT, but my students are used to black and white tests, so don't seem to appreciate the partial credit for partial knowledge system.

I'm thinking that it might be better to just say you get points if it's the right answer and nothing if it's wrong--that's something they understand.  The partial credit for partial knowledge system also tends to really inflate the grades (which could be considered good, but here just seems to give me a reputation as teacher of the class that everyone passes).  I get the feeling that even colleagues think that if someone's not failing, then the class is too easy (but have no evidence to back up this "feeling").

Any thoughts on this?

C

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Christine Kuramoto, Assistant Professor: Medical English

Kyushu University, Department of Medical Education

Faculty of Medical Sciences

3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan

Phone: (+81)92-642-6186 Fax: (+81)92-642-6188

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