Final exam weighting as part of course design

Authors

  • Matthew Franke Howard University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20343/teachlearninqu.6.1.9

Keywords:

final exam weighting, assignment weighting, course design, prefinal grades, grading plateaus

Abstract

The weighting of a final exam or a final assignment is an essential part of course design that is rarely discussed in pedagogical literature. Depending on the weighting, a final exam or assignment may provide unequal benefits to students depending on their prior performance in the class. Consequently, uncritical grade weighting can discount student learning, by ensuring that improved mastery of material at the semester’s end is not reflected in the course grade. Problems related to several common final exam weights are explored, as are potential solutions to unequal student outcomes made possible by uncritical grade weighting. Ultimately, this essay argues that choosing a weight for a final exam or a final assignment determines what types of student success ought to be possible in the class; therefore, instructors should assign exam weights intentionally, being fully aware of the potential benefits and problems of the weights that they choose.

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Author Biography

Matthew Franke, Howard University

Matthew Franke is a Master Instructor in Music History at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

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Published

2018-03-20

How to Cite

Franke, Matthew. 2018. “Final Exam Weighting As Part of Course Design”. Teaching and Learning Inquiry 6 (1):91-103. https://doi.org/10.20343/teachlearninqu.6.1.9.