Susan Polick

A very good mix of assessments! We find that assessing group work can be the most problematic which is why, as you point out, rubrics are so necessary.

A very effective assessment! We find that especially with adult students there is such a diversity of foundation skills that it is especially challenging for our faculty to find the middle ground while giving additional support to those who lack the essentials.

You make a good point Ron - planning is essential if an instructor is to successfully incorporate diverse modalities. It is also important to give students opportunities to practice and apply what they have learned using applications that complement their learning style. For example a visual learner might want to produce diagrams or other graphic representations of material. The kinesthetic learner might want to give a demonstration.

I agree Cheryl, evaluating case studies allows the student to apply the competencies that they have acquired and especially in career education, it is an excellent assessment of learning.

You're correct Clifton - in most competency based training practical tests are the final assessment of whether or not they have are competent in certain skills. As you noted in your earlier posting it is also important to asesss as the skills are being learned.

Do you review quiz answers with your students? It helps them to see where they have misunderstood concepts and gives them (and us!) guidance as to where we need to do more work.

Welcome to Maxknowledge 103, Clifton! I see you were "burning the midnight oil" last evening. I agree, the challenge we often face as instructors is trying to alance our instruction between those who are moving at a faster pace and those who need more time/assistance to catch on. We all are have a learning style that we prefer and many of us can adapt to other styles depending on the situation. It is up to our instructors though to make every effort to accomodate diverse learning styles in their classrooms.

You seem to be a very creative teacher - sounds like a lot of fun!

I recall doing a mock interview with a student who clearly was shy but who did a good job in the interview. When we were finished I congraulated her on her imminent graduation and asked her what she planned to do after graduation. She said " The first thing I will do is go to my high school and find my guidance counselor and show her my diploma, because she told me I would never be able to succeed in college." I still get goosebumps when I recall that conversation!

So often many students will have the same question so I agree that allowing them to write their question is so much less intimidating than risking appearing foolish in front of an entire class. Do you have them sign their names to the questions or is it anonymous?