Barry Westling

Hi Cynthia: Good post! I think the "providing information on ways to improve" is very helpful and students will appreciate any and all advice given, even if they don't always voice it verbally. Regards, Barry

Hi Cynthia: Although pretesting is a valuable and underused tool, I don't think it's practical to use too much - maybe at the beginning of a new class or term, something like that. As a planning tool for the instructor, I think its terrific when it's used. Regards, Barry

Hi Laura: I think student centered keeps the focus on how best to meetb the needs of the students. Your credibility comes from your relationsip with your class, your preparedness, willingness to assist and offer suggestions, and being fair in discussions and testing. Regards, Barry

Hi Cynthia: Prepared teachers are ready for their class in every way. It begins before the students begin and continues throughout the learning cycle through assessment and completion. Regards, Barry

Hi Scott: I describe what you do as bonus points, which may be semantics, but I think it's different than extra credit, since it's all required work and is the same for all students. Some would disagree with me, and I could appreciate their argument. Regards, Barry

Hi Anthony: Great - these tenets of basic preparedness are the duty and responsibility of every taecher. Regards, Barry

Hi Dr. A: I think one approach to setting up a grading system is to examine the Student Learning Outcomes (SLO's), course objectives, and program description. Using a variety of assessment instruments to grade against the SLO's improves the chances the student demonstrate their knowledge. Finding the right mix is a challenge, is never easy (requires trial and error), and requires a committed and caring instructor to continuously try to discover the best balance. Good Luck! Regards, Barry

Hi Dr. A: Real world is good and appropriate. We should be measuring against the course objectives as well. These two entities should be aligned anyway, that is, the course objectives and readiness for the workforce. Regards, Barry

Hi Dr. A: Makes sense: is rational, basically simple and understandable by students. There should be no doubt by any student how they earn a grade in your class. That's how it ought to be - no doubt. Regards, Barry

Hi Dr. A: I'm all for providing assistance to students by giving them ideas, suggestions, or providing resources that will result in improving a poorer grade into a higher grade. I doubt that credit for work that subtitutes for ommission of required work is very helpful. Regards, Barry