Grading method : Is mine cruel?

Question

I teach in Ontario, in my clasroom, theres one thing I simply don't tolerate. Many things I let loose, and I often tweak grades based on consisten improvment, so many would call me a generous marker. However, when it comes to students failing to hand their assigments in, I don't hesititate to give them a poor mark, despite any visible talent there is.

As a writing teacher, I don't hand out small talk projects like many do. All my assigments take about 3 weeks to complete, and I often end up with 4 final marks. Recently I had them complete an essay describing the negative and positive effect on Capital Punishment.

When a student doesen't hand in their project, I'm more than inclined to show this in their final mark. Yet, I recently had received a complaint from a parent claiming this is cruel.

What are your thoughts on this, teachers opinions would be far more valuable.

For example, here are some writing marks I did a few

Answer 1

I think the true fault in your system is only having 4 assignments per period. Grades should be determined by a variety of differing assignments, both in class and out of class, both practice tasks and assessment tasks. You are not providing multiple ways in which students can demonstrate their learning to you and that is very unfair to what I imagine are a fair majority of your students. Yes, students should be penalized for not turning in completed work, but one poor grade should not so badly impact a student's overall grade. It should take multiple poor grades for you to say a student has failed or come close to failing. I would suggest incorporating grades from a daily or weekly journal or perhaps breaking down your large assignments into smaller ones.

Answer 2

Perhaps, as one teacher suggested you can make your longer assignments into chuncks, and grade each part.  (this offers a grade for students who do part of the assignment, but can't seem to finish it on time)  For example, the assignment on pros and cons can be broken into the following parts:

1.  List of pros  (10 Point)

2. List of cons (10 point)

3.  Rough draft  (20 points)

4.  Final Copy  (60 points)

(or offer points for turn in time)

This will allow you to see if your students are working at a quick enough pace and staying on task.  It gives you time to talk to students individually who are not working on a timeline to finish the final assignment. (or contact parents if necessary).  And... when a child gets a poor grade, this covers yourself when a parent gets upset.  It also allows some room for that unforeseen "disaster" that keeps students from turning in work all at one time.  

It also takes away some of that "overwhelmingness" of a huge assignment, that often inclines students to procrastinate, or just not do an assignment because it appears to difficult.

Answer 3

You don't mention the age of the student, which is of importance. Given the length of time taken to complete the assignment I assume you teach a secondary class. If this is true then no I don't think you're too harsh in not providing the student with an 'A'.

Yes it is somewhat demoralising for an obviously above competent student not to receive an 'A', but what message is being sent if an 'A' reward is provided for the non completion of an assigned task? The 'A' should be rewarded for consistent excellence in work throughout the grading period.

If not already done maybe you need to make this clear, perhaps even in writing, in future to your students.

Answer 4

I personally dislike homework.  How can you really be sure the student did it alone?  Some kids have parents who can actually help... them simply don't.  I believe anything graded should be under your direct observation.  For some more ideas on grading you might see alternativeeducationbible.com

Answer 5

I believe taking away a student's A is a bit too cruel. From his marks he probably does have talent and while not handing in an assignment isnt something anyone should do, it does kind of set back the student's determination. Everyone reacts differently. I simply think you should find another method of punishment. Something more on the lines of contacting parents first then thinking and talking through with the parents what should happen with the students grade.