How can I help a student achieve an A in my college physics course?

[Gamma]

I teach the algebra based introductory physics course at a college. I have less than 10 students. I covered 8 chapters in 15 weeks (I was supposed to cover 9, but could not reach it). So, obviously it is hard for my students. One of my students tells me that she accepts/wants an A in this course and wants to know how she can achieve this goal. With only 2 weeks left, I really feel like I can not do much now. She has to score perfectly to get an A in the few remaining tasks and the finals, and that won't happen. Do you have any suggestions? She had a very low score on one of her earlier assignments and I could ask her to redo it (that won't be fare to others)? I could give an extra credit assignment, but it is kind of late to assign one now.

Do you have any suggestions? Thank you.

GAMMA

 

[Andy Resnick]

Have you spoken to other members of your department?

In my experience, the subject of assigning grades is not openly discussed. Partly, I think, this is in consideration of the autonomy an instructor has when running their class. However, you should find out if there are any departmental guidelines.

That said, I must caution you not to treat any student differently than any other. for example, giving her a make-up assignment without making that option available to *every* student is a recipe for disaster.

When a student appears just prior to the final exam- a student that has not made use of office hours etc. during the course- I try to encourage them not to panic, to do their best, and leave it at that. Students will cry, beg, plead, and insist that their life will end if they do not get an 'A'. Ignore it, and make sure your office door is always open.

 

[Gamma]

Andy,

Thank you so much for your reply. I will follow your advice when talking to this student tomorrow.

Gamma.

 

[deluks917]

You say she can get the A if she aces the remaining stuff. I don't think she can expect better news.

 

[physics girl phd]

Also: I also like to look at my overall numbers for the entire course: What is the class average and median scores (in categories such as homework, tests, overall)? Are you giving any A's?

While looking at the class stats makes more sense for large enrollment classes, it's still good information to have and possibly present to a student looking for some reprieve at the end of a term... I try to remind them that exams CAN make a difference (and remind them of the weighting of the final) but that the course grading still reflects overall course performance throughout the term.