Mind Dump
 
Jan 27

I wouldn't do it if it weren't for credit

by Scott McLeod

On the great homework grading debate, a teacher says:

"But I want to give them credit for doing it.  They did it, so they deserve something for it.  I don't think I would do it if I didn't get credit!"
via http://mctownsley.blogspot.com/2010/01/but-i-want-to-give-them-credit-for.html

How about making the task something worth doing?

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2 comments

Jan 27, 2010
olafelch said...
This sounds great, but there is often a systems problem with this thinking. It's no use creating something worth doing if the system doesn't encourage the learners to take advantage of it.

An example from Germany:

The school system is very heavily biased towards marks in tests. This leads to the problem that pupils ask 2 questions every time a teacher begins something new: Will this come up in the next test? or, Will this be marked? If you answer no to both of these questions 3/4 of the class will put down their pens straight-away. This is endemic in all school forms.

This makes it really tough for a teacher who tries to instil a sense of self-commitment in the kids, as the whole of the system is playing by other rules.

Jan 27, 2010
Scott McLeod said...
Excellent point. It is extremely difficult for a teacher who wants to change his or her practice when the rest of the school system, other colleagues, parental expectations, etc. reinforce the "for credit" paradigm.

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