Gateway Tests

Quick Index to Gateway Information
Background Structure and Rules Sources of Gateway Tests
Frequently Asked Questions Suggestions for Teachers Old Gateway Tests

Background:

The idea behind using these tests is to relegate the mechanics of computing derivatives and finding integrals to the category of skills. We want students to have these skills, but we want to send a clear message that these skills are not as important (students read: "doesn't count as much in the grade") as understanding the concepts and applying the math they're learning.

Structure and Rules:

Sources and distribution of gateway tests

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Why do we call these tests "gateway" tests?
    "Gateway test" is a euphemism for "barrier test." Using a severe word like "barrier" is no longer politically acceptable. "Gateway" connotes a positive attitude about its purpose, whereas the word "barrier" could offend sensitive ears.
  2. When do the students take the gateway tests?
    The first administration of the gateway test is scheduled on the syllabus. In some semesters we schedule a make-up time, and in other semesters there is no desinated time. Students can take a makeup in your office, in the classroom before or after class or lab, or in the helproom (when there is a teacher from that course in there).
  3. Who administers the gateway tests?
    The person running the lab will administer the first gateway test. Makeups are administered by the teachers (see the answer to the last question). The lab assistant for a particular section can also administer makeups in the helproom for his/her section, if the teacher makes arrangements with the assistant to do so.
  4. Who grades the gateway tests?
    The lab assistants can grade the ones given during the lab time. After that, it's the teacher's responsibility to grade the tests for his/her own students. If the teacher has made arrangements for the lab assistant to administer some tests in the helproom, then the lab assistant can help with the grading.
  5. I gave a gateway test in the helproom to a student who's not in my class. What do I do with the test after the student takes it?
    Be sure the student puts the name of the teacher on the test. You should keep the completed test and put it in the teachers mailbox when you return to the Physics Building. If you have time, you can check the student's work, but you are not required to do so: that is the other teacher's responsibility. But in any case, you must return the test (graded or not) to the student's teacher.
  6. How late in the semester can a student still take the gateway?
    As long as the student passes the gateway before you turn in semester grades (about two days after the final exam), then you won't have to submit an "F", unless the student otherwise has failed the course.

Suggestions:

  1. When students ask about taking a makeup test, tell them they can take it in the helproom when you or another teacher in the same course is in there, or they can take it just before or after class, or they can come by your office (at your convenience) to take it.
  2. Keep all gateway tests after they are taken, whether the student passes or not. If some discrepance arises, you can resolve it if you have the tests.
  3. Keep detailed records. You can use a spreadsheet to keep track of which tests each student has taken. With good records, you won't have a problem with a student taking the same test twice.
  4. If a student doesn't pass a test, and the student asks for an immediate retry, then here's a good way to handle the situation. Give the student the problems he/she missed (or similar ones) without answers. Tell the student to go practice by working out those assigned problems. After the student returns with completed, accurate solutions, then give the student another makeup. This procedure is especially helpful with the integration gateway tests.
  5. Even though students can keep taking gateway tests up until you turn in grades, the last few days of the semester can become hectic. It will be helpful for you and for the students to push them to get this done before the last week of classes.