Grade expectations

Sometimes I think I spend more time marking papers and recording scores in H's gradebook than I do observing his teaching. I wondered today, as I graded a bazillion tests on mitosis/meiosis... how much are they really learning?

I peeked at their 9 weeks' grades, which were considerably higher than the majority of their test scores. I determined that their grades are largely "padded" by the busywork, homework, notecards, etc. that they turn in for grades. Most of this work is regurgitation of textbook facts, and not really an assessment of higher-level thinking. After examining their “review notecards” which are designed to help them study for each test, I realized that if they knew the notecard material, they should do fine on the test. Yet, their grades ranged from 22 to 93, with the mean score hovering somewhere around 55-60 (out of a possible 100).

Maybe H. is just used to it, after teaching for so many years. I’m pretty sure I’d feel devastated if those were the grades on a test I’d given. I feel like the grades would probably be different if he taught Honors or AP courses, but that's just speculation. He didn't really seem too bothered when I showed him the results. I'm wondering, is there a point at which teachers relent and somewhat give up, or realize it's not worth so much of their effort if students don't reciprocate and attempt to learn? I predict I am far too stubborn and maybe prone to self-blame, and will probably try numerous teaching styles in desperation before I yield to an attitude of indifference. I guess all those readings on the importance of high teacher expectations seem convincing.

On a lighter note, the ESL kids continue to be a highlight of the day. Despite their less-than-perfect English skills, some of them have an amusing grasp of American humor. H. was teaching them about Mendel's pea experiments today, and trying to determine if they understood the definition of "characteristics." He pointed to a pumpkin on the front bench and asked them to list characteristics of it. Their answers included: small, round, orange, and (my personal favourite) sexy. Ha! If a pumpkin can be described as sexy, then there's hope for. . . hmmm. I probably shouldn't finish that sentence here. ;)