Inadvertent Outcomes (Part Three)
Last week I asked whether it reflects our Biblical Christian thinking and practice to use an assessment reduction as a penalty for late assignment submission.
Let’s remind ourselves of our purposes:
- That our students comprehend how Biblical Christian understanding affects the way that we operate as school communities.
- That we want our students to make good progress in knowledge, understanding and wisdom.
- Assessment is something we do with and for our students, not to them; its purpose is growth.
- That we want our students to develop good character and responsibility.
- That all these things find their meaning in Christ.
So back to our issue. If I use the policy of reducing an assessment rating because of late submission, what is it that I’ve actually measured?
Have I accurately measured competence? No.
Have I encouraged future punctuality and responsibility? Unlikely, especially if I am a teacher who averages scores across a time period.
I fear I may have raised a major subject without the opportunity to discuss the complexities and realities of this problem. But I’m urging us to think whether the ways that we handle this issue best reflect a Biblical Christian understanding.
Beware assumptions. Do we presume poor motivation, perhaps laziness? The more likely reason is poor executive function; an inability to manage time and responsibilities. Anxiety may be an issue. Resources may be an issue – time, space, technology… We need to help identify the problem and assist with overcoming that issue.
Blessings
Brian