As a teacher, I’m always looking for ways to motivate my students to learn and succeed. One grading policy I’ve implemented has had a surprising impact on my students’ attitudes and performance.
Here’s how it works: If a student scores less than 75 on their midterm exam, but then scores more than 75 on the final exam, I offer to replace their midterm grade with their final grade. This means that a student who initially struggled can still end up with a passing grade if they demonstrate improvement over the course of the semester.
At first, some students were skeptical. They had been conditioned to think that a bad grade on a midterm was a death sentence for their overall grade in the course. But once they realized that they had a second chance to prove themselves, they became more hopeful and motivated to keep learning.
The impact on student performance has been remarkable. I’ve seen students who initially struggled and were on the verge of giving up, make a complete turnaround and end up with grades they could be proud of. They became more engaged in class, asked more questions, and worked harder to master the material.
But perhaps the most significant impact has been on their mindset. By offering students a second chance, I’m telling them that failure is not final. I’m communicating to them that I believe in their potential and that I’m willing to invest in their success. This sense of hope has been transformative for many of my students.
Of course, this policy is not a magic bullet. Students still need to put in the work to learn the material and earn a passing grade. But by giving them a reason to hope, I’m encouraging them to persevere through the challenges and stay focused on their goals.
In conclusion, I believe that a grading policy that offers students a second chance can have a profound impact on their attitude, motivation, and performance. By emphasizing hope over despair, we can create an environment that encourages students to keep learning and growing.
