Barbara Islas

When evaluating the assessment type used, it is important to check the validity and reliability of the assessment. Validity will evaluate the results for how clear and logically sound the results are. Reliability evaluates the accuracy and dependability of the results. 

When planning the course activities, the instructor will need to begin with a list of outcomes (the end result of the course). Once outcomes have been written, decide on the assessment methods to be used. These assessment methods can be formative and summative. The formative assessments will occur more frequently and can be alternative and traditional in nature. As… >>>

When developing an authentic assessment consider the task and allow the students to be creative while developing it. Authentic assessments will allow the instructor to refine their instruction based on the outcome of the assessment. Break down the assessment into specific steps to be evaluated. Get input from the students. 

There are several types of authentic assessments. Embedded assessments can collect information about the students' learning to determine how to proceed with the next lesson. There may be times when information may need to be reinforced based on the information gained. 

Portfolios, case studies and problem-based learning are examples of… >>>

There are two types of taxonomies: Bloom's and Fink's. Both are beneficial when organizing activities and assessments. The Bloom's taxonomy is divided into three categories: cognitive, affective, and psychomotor. The cognitive verbs might include knowledge-based verbs. Affective and psychomotor verbs include application and problem-solving demonstrations. 

Fink's taxonomy includes six parts: the foundational knowledge will help the students to remember the essential elements. This is low level learning. Application includes the demonstration of skills, such as managing projects and developing creative methods of remembering how to apply the concepts. Learning to learn is self-directed learning to learn more about a particular… >>>

There are formative and summative assessments. The formative assessments are given frequently and are not high stakes. The summative assessments usually occur after a module, midterm or final. 

In addition, there are traditional and authentic assessments. The traditional assessments are reliable but does not evaluate the skills of the students. The traditional assessments are in written form. An example of this type of assessment would be the SAT college entrance exam. For the nursing realm, HESI is an example of a traditional assessment. The authentic assessment is less formal and can include hands-on learning. The authentic assessment can take a… >>>

I have been more intentional about my nutrition. However, I do need to alter my schedule to allow time for exercise. This includes taking walks. When possible, I can take a walk around the building, while at work. 

I have neglected fun activities. My hobbies have taken a back seat during the time I have been teaching. This should be more of a fun activity to pursue.

For those of us who learned strictly in a lecture environment, a flipped classroom may sound ludicrous. However, instead of being the content expert who delivers the content in a F2F environment, technology allows us to flip the classroom so that student-centered learning is more effective. A flipped classroom is not always effective, and more research is being conducted on this. However, I have found that students are more receptive and engaged with the concepts when a flipped classroom is utilized. Students are more likely to come to class prepared.

There are many ways to utilize a flipped classroom. It is important the instructor be well-educated on the various techniques and choose the method that best suits the class, content, and syllabus. There is not a "one-size-fits-all" method of planning a flipped classroom. 

When it comes to pre-recorded lectures, there are various methods of completing this and storing the information. SMART Tech, LMS, and TechSmith are just a few of them. Another method is to create a YouTube account and record lectures on this site.

When using a flipped classroom technique, the student will be able to not just understand the material but analyze and evaluate the concepts. Initially, the students may feel like they are teaching themselves. However, prior to attending class, the students are exposed to the information. While in class, the instructor is able to clarify the information and assist the students who are having difficulty grasping the significance of the content. Our aim is to provide instruction that demonstrates the students are learning on a higher level in Bloom's taxonomy.

The method of teaching in a flipped classroom involves a more student-centered approach. This makes the students more accountable for their own learning. The traditional method of teaching involved the "sage on the stage" where the instructor lectured. In reality, this method of teaching has not been very effective. Instead, by offering pre-recorded lectures, the students are able to listen to the lectures over and over again. When arriving to class, the in-class activities help the students to apply what they have learned. Thus, this becomes competency-based education.

There are many ways to accommodate students with learning disabilities. This can be integrated into the classroom and testing environment. One simple way to accommodate the testing student is to allow them extra time on an exam. Another method is to put each question into a box so that the student is less likely to become distracted.