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Re: [Phys-l] physics assessment




This question, and some parts of Mr. Denker's answer, illustrate a profound difference between the private- and public-school environments: few of us who teach in public schools are allowed to exclude interested students from honors and AP courses. I do not feel this to be inappropriate, either, for reasons that Mr. Denker addresses; most pre-testing I have observed measures either students' knowledge of unrelated course material (i.e. familiarity with biology as a prerequisite for study of physics) or overall problem-solving ability, but does not attempt to measure interest and effort. Any screening process that excludes a motivated student by favoring one who is more knowledgeable but less motivated is fundamentally unfair. I expect that I speak for many when I say that a hard-working, 'less talented' student will benefit more from the advanced course that will an unmotivated genius.

________________________________

From: phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu on behalf of John Denker
Sent: Thu 24-Sep-09 2:22 PM
To: Forum for Physics Educators
Subject: Re: [Phys-l] physics assessment



On 09/24/09 09:10, Anthony Lapinski wrote:

We would like to come up with some sort of "pre-test" to act as a filter


The motivation check doesn't have to be subtle. I might
ask:
1a) How many hours per week are you prepared to spend
doing homework _for this course_? ________

Anybody who answers "zero" is disqualified from the honors
course, either because they have no clue about what is
involved, or they are overcommitted with other after-school
activities ... or because they just aren't interested.
Don't underestimate the value of self-selection. For one
thing, sometimes parents push a kid to sign up for a
course he isn't interested in, and answering "zero" on
the placement test is an honest and convenient way for
the kid to bail out before it's too late.

Also you get to use the answer later, to confront any
student who signed up for the honors course but isn't
doing the homework.


4) Last but not least, I would make room for exceptions.
The rule is "passing grade on the placement test, or
instructor's permission". I say this because on many
occasions instructors have allowed me to sign up for
courses where I did not come close to meeting the
prerequisites ... and I have on occasion repaid the
favor by allowing in students who by any objective
measure were verrry underqualified, but who really
wanted to take the course anyway ... and generally
they do fine. Motivation counts for a lot.