We believe that students function best when they are in control, thus we have designed the course such that students accumulate points rather than average them. Most students believe that they can get just about any grade they wish to work for, although the quantity of work may seem prohibitive. Students have access to the gradebook at all times. Students who, in another setting, might well accept a C in a relaxed manner, may be driven to work harder in order to achieve a B or an A. We believe that students have an unusual sense of control over their grades, even though this course is obviously a difficult one. We believe that, in general, this is a good feature.

Some students believe that they are responsible for achieving as high grades as possible, and may well be pressured to work to an unreasonable degree to achieve A’s. Thus, the freedom to retake tests and do extra credit assignments may not afford these students a greater sense of control. These students can self-destruct in such an atmosphere, achieving A’s while learning to hate the subject. Teachers and parents must exhibit considerable sensitivity in helping students to set and accept reasonable goals.

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