Greetings: I tried it for the first time earlier this semester and I wasn't sure if I was going to do it again, but after reading your feedback, I think I will continue doing so. It was included in quiz grades and the lowest quiz grade was dropped. I do, however, need to add a more thorough overview of plagiarism because it's definitely gotten out of hand! I'm interested to know if anyone has had any success in deterring plagiarism. If so, what did you do? I'm especially referring to theoretical and or criticism and analysis courses. Your feedback is appreciated. Regards, Rockell A. Brown Burton, Ph.D. The School of Communication Texas Southern University 3100 Cleburne St., Houston, TX 77004 (713) 313-4312 [log in to unmask] ________________________________ From: FOR THE MINORITIES AND COMMUNICATION DIV. OF AEJMC on behalf of Brockingtoan, Wanda G. Sent: Tue 12/7/2010 9:24 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: do you test on your syllabus Dear All, I have my students sign a "contract" that states they have read and understood all of the requirements in the syllabus. The idea of a syllabus quiz had never occurred to me, but I think it is a better barometer of whether they have actually read than the contract. Thanks for the great idea! Wanda Wanda Goins Brockington, Ph.D. Associate Professor and Chair Mass Communications/Journalism General Manager, WNSB-FM Norfolk State University 700 Park Ave. Norfolk, VA 23504 (757) 823-8330/8331 [log in to unmask] ________________________________ From: FOR THE MINORITIES AND COMMUNICATION DIV. OF AEJMC [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of George Daniels Sent: Monday, December 06, 2010 9:56 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: do you test on your syllabus E.K. On occasion (especially with my freshmen-level 100 or 200-level classes), I'll do a "syllabus quiz" on the second day of the class just to see if they have at least read through the syllabus and know what is expected. It counts primarily as a short in-class assignment. I'll usually do 5 quick questions (i.e. how many tests? What are the two major assignments? How many absences are allowed without penalty? What is the policy on late assignments? How many textbooks are required for this course?) This rewards students who showed up for class on the first day, it communicates to those "late arrivals" that they need to catch up. This is one of maybe 15+ short in-class assignments I'll make during the term. All of my in-class short assignments together are usually 15% of the final grade. George On Mon, Dec 6, 2010 at 7:29 PM, E. K. Daufin <[log in to unmask]> wrote: Does anyone on the list test students for credit on their knowledge of the syllabus? If so how, when and for what percentage of the total course grade/points? If not how to you help assure student accountability regarding the syllabus "contract" policies, requirements, resources? Know Justice; Know Peace, Rev. Dr. E-K Daufin Professor of Communication Media & Society Size Equity Expert ASU FSA/AFT Co-VP for Faculty AEJMC MAC Membership Chair Alabama State University 915 S. Jackson St. Montgomery, AL 36101-0271 (334) 229-6885 www.home.earthlink.net/~ekdaufin <http://www.home.earthlink.net/~ekdaufin> Your research and creative activity referrals are welcomed. With all my heart I want to work with and for kind, competent, strong people who love and help me and I they. Ashe! -- George L. Daniels, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Journalism The University of Alabama Box 870172 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0172