Self tests in World History

[dianeh47]

Carrie,
In the Geometry they have open book self quizzes and self tests. I am not sure how to measure ds mastery of his math work this way and also how to grade his work. Also, the tests in health are the same way. I am unsure how to grade these subjects with him doing these self tests open book. I know that in math David Chandler says that home study can be informal, but I just don't get how to properly grade him this way.

[LynnH]

We are not there yet, but I would guess you grade them just like you grade any other test or quiz. It is actually good practice for college. My dd is a sophomore in college and at least 50% of her tests and quizzes are open book/notes. In fact she takes many of them on the computer back in her dorm room. Some of them she is even allowed to take more than once and it counts her best grade.

[my3sons]

I'm enjoying the WH plans with Wyatt and would be glad to help! We are doing exactly what LynnH described. I have been counting the total points and giving Wyatt a percentage based on how many correct he got out of the total. I use the same grading scale as that which was provided in the WG Introduction. I did make a little grading sheet for math, just to keep track of my grades in a quick, easy way. I just check off the checkmark columns when completed, and only put a percentage in the columns that say 'graded.' For history, I am just grading it as we go in the book he writes in. HTH!


As far as open book tests go, I had many classes that used open book testing throughout college, and even throughout my master's program. It would seem that open book tests would be easier than closed book tests, but in reality they are often harder due the amount of content covered and/or the higher level questions asked. It is assumed you can use the text for support - so the questions often are more numerous or more rigorous. I just wanted to share that to put your mind at ease about using straight percentage grades for open book tests. HTH, and I hope you are having a super year with WH!

In Christ,
Julie

[dianeh47]

Thanks Julie. The self-tests just took me by surprise. I didn't think that you could measure a person's mastery of a subject without using a closed book test, but as I go along, I am liking it very much. This is going to be a wonderful year. I think we like it even better than WG. Joel struggled with Algebra, but he loves Geometry. We also like the Literature format and the Science labs on DVD as he is not going to be a science major. The History books are great. We love Unveiling the Kings. I have to make sure that he doesn't read ahead. He also likes the projects in Fine Art.
I hope that you and Carrie are having a good year in WH with your sons.

[my3sons]

I am so glad to hear you and your ds are having a super year in WH! My ds is fascinated by "Unveiling the Kings" just like your ds. He likes the science for different reasons than he liked last year's science. Last year, the science required quite a bit of brain power to do the labs. This year, the science requires quite a bit of brain power to answer all of the questions, as there are many. I like that we are switching it up each year - something new to enjoy each year. I am surprised at how much he is enjoying the Fine Arts study! He is not an artsy kind of guy, but he is really enjoying Pat Knepley's guidance and step-by-step projects. His first project turned out very neatly! I am so glad, as this has not been a natural gifting of his through the years. I think years of doing HOD's art projects and history projects consistently have helped him not only become more artistic even though it is not his natural tendency, but also become more appreciative of art in general. He knows firsthand how much work must go in to an artistic piece of any medium! It is good to hear about your ds enjoying his WH year! Shaw, Carrie's son, is loving it as well! May God continue to bless our homeschooling year!

In Christ,
Julie

[dianeh47]

Julie,
Do you have a schedule of how long it should take for each subject in WH.
It seems that Joel needs longer in some of the subjects than I gave him. Thanks.

[my3sons]

Julie,
Do you have a schedule of how long it should take for each subject in WH.
It seems that Joel needs longer in some of the subjects than I gave him. Thanks.

Yes, I do, and I have been meaning to post this, so thank you for this reminder!

Left Side of the Plans:
Average Total Combined Time for World History AND History Activities: 60-70 minutes
*World History box: 35-45 minutes (about 15-20 minutes for reading, 15 min. for shorter narrations, 25 min. for longer narrations written/typed/opinion)
*History Activities box: 20-45 minutes (longer on "You Are There" days)
Living Library: 20-30 minutes (20 min. reading, 10 min. Literary Synthesis Sheet)
Fine Arts: 25-30 min. on Days 1-3; longer on Day 4 for Project, about 60 min.
Foreign Language: 20-30 min.

Right Side of the Plans:
Pilgrim's Progress/Total Health: 35-40 min.; Health Test day will be longer; length varies depending on time spent on discussions
Bible: 40-45 min.
Science with Lab: 45-60 min.
Literature Study: 45 min.
Composition/Grammar: 30 min.
Math: 60 min.

Total Approximate Time: 7 1/2 hours

This earns 7 full-credits, and the time is in keeping with earning these.

Note: The Living Library is not necessary for counting credits, and it counts for about 30 minutes of the above total time. So, the total would be 7 hours without it. On a side note though, we are doing the Living Library and absolutely loving it! I plan to always do it through our high school years, as the living books and Charlotte Mason feel to it are a favorite part of our day.

The above times are scheduled for 4 days a week with the 5th day off. They can easily be spread across 5 days for 6 hour long days including the Living Library plans, or for 5 1/2 hour long days if not including the Living Library plans.

Wyatt loves to do about 60 min. worth of work at night in his room from about 8:30 to 9:30 PM. He usually does his Living Library reading and assignment then for sure, and 1 other independent subject as well. In the morning, he gets up at 6 AM (by his own choice, not mine), and works from 6 to 7:50 AM independently. Then, after breakfast/chores, he works from 8:50 AM to 1 PM. Later, after free time and working an hour at his part-time job, he does his Literature Study box from about 3:30 - 4:15 PM. Part of his afternoons and 90% of his nights are free time. We take Thursdays completely off. This has been a super schedule for him, so I thought I'd share! HTH!

In Christ,
Julie