Thread: Science class...What do u think?

In a science class of 12-13 year olds who have just started science (which is compulsory) is it better to give them an easy test where they will all do relatively good and everyone gains confidence or is it better to give them a "proper" test where the students will all achieve different grades but where everyone will be aware of their standard... keep in mind this is a mixed ability class. What do you think?

Y are they just starting science?

Because in Ireland thats the way it works. U do science when u enter secondary school (after national school) at the age of 12

Science has shown that self-help doesn't work with people with low self-esteem.

In fact it makes them feel worse.


So do a proper test.

I agree, do the proper test. Look out for those who have the potential to do better or an eagerness to learn. You will be able to see the students excited and inspired by science.

But these kids have only started science so their confidence usually isn't low.... and the point of giving an easier test would be to increase their confidence and incourage them in science. But i understand what ye are saying!

Taking it slowly will probably not help those who are struggling, whereas those who are better at science will learn little, and probably lose interest. It's probably best to base everything mroe on the people for whom the subject is important.

Originally Posted by ceire

In a science class of 12-13 year olds who have just started science (which is compulsory) is it better to give them an easy test where they will all do relatively good and everyone gains confidence or is it better to give them a "proper" test where the students will all achieve different grades but where everyone will be aware of their standard... keep in mind this is a mixed ability class. What do you think?

If this class is introductory and compulsory, I would say start with an easy test. If you can make the test fun and maybe even a little bit "hey, I bet you didn't even know that you knew this", then you might even help breed new interest.

I've read many of the other posts in this thread and I would normally agree with their line of reasoning, however I think it fails to account for the fact that the kids going into this course probably already think that science is both arcane and difficult. If your first impression with them confirms this, then you risk turning off even the kids that had a passing interest going into it. This is grade school, not university.

My 2 cents. I hope that helps.