Classroom Testing etiquette

Several students exhibit appropriate behavior during tests, but there is some discrepancy in the definition of “appropriate” behavior. At times, a popularity or hip culture creeps into the classroom, even during tests, with students sometimes perceiving rebel or abnormal behavior as acceptable among their peers. This is not the “appropriate.”

Testing is a stressful and tense individual activity, and the behavior of each person in class during a test in some way or the other affects the performance of others. If we keep these thoughts and the following rules in mind, the testing experience will be painless as one can experience and yet provide an optimal learning experience for everyone involved.

RULES:

1. When the test begins, silence should permeate the classroom’s atmosphere and remain present throughout the test unless there is a question for me..

(a.)All cell phones, pagers, and PDA’s turned off.

[i.] Vibrate is not acceptable unless given extenuating circumstance with the instructor’s consent prior to beginning the test.

[ii.] If a cell phone, pager, or PDA activates in the classroom during the test and at the instructor’s discretion, determines that interference or an impediment has been established with any student’s concentration or performance on their test then the instructor will confiscate the cell phone, pager, or PDA and the owner’s (of the cell phone, pager, or PDA) test will become null and void.

· If the above action takes place at least twice during the same semester then the student in question will be asked to leave permanently. To grant re-admission into the classroom once the student has been ejected, the student must consult and attain the instructor’s approval.

° Without consultation with the instructor re-admission is not granted.

° Automatic re-admission is non-existent.

° If a student chooses not to consult with the instructor concerning re-admission into the classroom then inevitably the student will eventually attain 5 absences. Thus, becoming eligible for withdrawal by the instructor.

(b.)Ipods, CD players, Video & DVD players, & any sort of audio or video devices are prohibited during a test.

(c.)Laptops are prohibited during the test.

(d.)Ball caps, cowboy hats, and any hat with a bill are prohibited even if it can be worn backwards.

2. If a student uses any of their own or anyone else’s resources (i.e., scratch paper, cell phone, book, etc.) during the test without the instructor’s consent (especially if the instructor has provided all resources pertinent for testing) and prior to beginning the test then the student’s test becomes null and void.

3. Only restroom breaks are allowed. Hence, cigarette or cell phone breaks are prohibited.

4. If a student leaves the classroom for any other excuse except for the restroom or to discuss an issue with their instructor then the student’s test becomes null and void.

5. If a student exits the building that he/she is testing in without consent from his/her instructor then the test becomes null and void.