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[Phys-L] Re: Ambiguous Question



The instructor plays two roles here. On the one hand, the instructor is
responsible for the test construction. On the other, the instructor is
responsible for assigning a grade that represents the student's mastery
of the course objectives.

Let's focus on the second one and assume that the instructor was not
responsible for the test construction (i.e., it was created by committee
or some outside agency). If the instructor is trying to assess an
ability to utilize a certain technique or concept, giving full credit
does not adequately represent the extent to which the student has met
the objective. So, what does the instructor do in this circumstance?

Would it be reasonable to ask, on the spot, how the student would go
about answering the question given the clearer wording (sort of an oral
exam) and assign credit accordingly? Or, should the instructor simply
give full credit regardless, knowing that the grade may not accurately
reflect student mastery of the course objectives? Is there another
option?

____________________________________________________
Robert Cohen, Chair, Department of Physics
East Stroudsburg University; E. Stroudsburg, PA 18301
570-422-3428; www.esu.edu/~bbq
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