Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Preparing to Manage Your Class

Hi Kris: Good self evaluation. Thanks for sharing. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing An Evaluation System

Hi Carol: Yes, as I conveyed in a previous post, tests should come from specific assignments as part of designated categories such as you've listed here. Good job. Sounds like you've got a good handle on how you want your classes to be conducted. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing An Evaluation System

Hi Carol: Good. If your syllabus is claer about extra credit then there can be no mistake. When it's not made claer, that opens the door for students to ask or feel frustrated by the refusal of their instructor to give EC. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing An Evaluation System

Hi Carol: I agree. Assessment should comprise a variety of categories, and within those categories, assignments. In this manner, an instructor can get a better grasp on the overall learning the student my have achieved. Assessments, then, can be associated to the bulk of the course content. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Methods to develop backup plans

Hi Carol: When students feel they have some control over their studies they're just going to do better. I'm convinced. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Methods to develop backup plans

Carol: I think if an instructor thinks about what the student learning outcomes (SLO's) are, there are many regular and backup methods to achieve them. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Methods to develop backup plans

Hi Carol: You are creative with your assignments. It's great when you can decide the focus and emphasis of the topic, and you are willing to let the student choose a topic now and again. That sense of autonomy goes a way to students feeling empowered and I think, ultimately, better students. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Developing An Evaluation System

Hi Kenneth: Good. Maintaining that consistency is not always an easy task. Given we have learners at different levels, learning styles, and our own perception of how thorougly and completely we covered a topic. Then, is the test fair and accurate? And as you say, is it within school policy. A lot of variables. Not every time, but sometimes. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Methods to develop backup plans

Hi Kenneth: Good example of an educational version of round robin. Of course you get to interject, correct or clarify, and emphasize important points that students might miss. I do this too, and it's a good discussion generator. Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting media for your classes

Hi Kenneth: Right, we want to reach our students, so we selective evaluate how best to approach different topics to maximise our time and the students learning. Optimmaly, these btwo objectives mesh together. Regards, Barry