On-line quizzes to encourage reading

Why on-line? Provides a reward/consequence for reading/not reading. Saves face to face class time. No grading time. Eliminates monkey business of face to face quizzes ◦ students only coming to class on days of quizzes or leaving immediately after taking a quiz. ◦ students requiring make up quizzes.

My model Lower level courses approximately 6 per semester. Upper level: weekly. Five questions, largely reading comprehension. More points are offered than counted towards final grade. ◦ 6 quizzes x 5 pts=30 pts possible ◦ 20 points counted towards final grade ◦ Any points earned above 20 = extra credit. ◦ No make-ups, no re-sets

Don’t they cheat? Yes. But, Each quiz is randomly generated from a question pool. Score only is presented. 48 hour window. One launch only. (No re-sets for any reason) 5 minute timer. “Block copy/print” code ◦ print-copy

How well does it work? Students are hands down more prepared for discussion than if there is no quiz. A few students each semester choose not to complete the quizzes. No complaints on course evaluations.