Are You Sure About Makeup Work?

This is an addition to the Philosophy page at TA where we look at common practices in education that may not always be the best practice. You can find similar posts under the "Are You Sure About..." section.

Most teachers that I know do not allow students to make up a test without the proper documentation. A doctors note that has been signed and notarized is what you will need to make up a test.

My question is why?

 Whenever I discuss this topic with other teachers they usually contend that students will take advantage of a teacher who allows them to make up any grade especially tests. The students will not study because if they perform poorly then they just make it up later. Student's do not learn to be accountable for themselves and their actions.

They need to learn the consequences of not studying or preparing for a test. 

I just am not so sure that we are not teaching a far worse lesson. Many of these students who need to make up a test or homework assignment feel like it is pointless to pay attention. They have developed an attitude of failure. 

What I believe:

• If a student does study and does learn the material for a course, then they should have an opportunity to demonstrate that knowledge and it should be reflected in the students grade. EVEN IF THEY LEARN THE MATERIAL AFTER THE INITIAL TEST. 
• If a student fails a test and no opportunity exists to improve their grade they will not try to learn what they performed so poorly on! We give students motivation to learn what they missed when we allow credit for it. 
• Cheating is more of an issue  in classes where opportunity is not given. (cheating still exists when there is opportunity to make up a grade, but it is less likely if you can make it up)

It's not "fair" to the students who do study and who do things "the right way" for everyone else to make up their grades. 

Everyone in the class has the same opportunity. The students who fail are not the only ones who have an opportunity to make a better grade, the students who make a 91 can try for a 100, the students who make a 74 can try to improve for a 96.

This is not a way to get everyone in your class to pass...this is a way to get everyone in your class an opportunity to improve their education.

Ideally student's would have the intrinsic motivation to learn all the material that they are taught but when that isn't the case...Give them a reason to learn what they missed.

Did you ever correct your final papers to fix your errors? Would you if it could have been turned back in for a better grade?

Did you go over the questions that you missed on the tests? Would you have if you could learn what you missed and retake the test?

You will probably have students take advantage of you if you allow them to make up their work, but you will definitely have students quit on you if you don't.


What do you think? Should students be allowed to make up work? If so what do you do to keep them from taking advantage of that?