Barry Westling

Hi Tim: Isn't it interesting how different instructors approach the grading for lab sessions? Of course, there is no correct answer for use in every setting. So that is going to require the instructor to evaluate what learning outcomes are important or essential to the learning experince. Sometimes, this takes some thought and planning. I could argue that if just doing the lab meets the desired learning objectives then full credit could be awarded. However, in my experience, there are usually systematic steps, operations, analysis, and conclusions that are associated with a lab assignment. That is where the quality of… >>>

Hi John: Extra credit always has to be treated carefully and to some it's use in the classroom is controversial. The bottom line is really "what learning has ocurred" rather than "what grade the student has received". But grades are grades and student look to them for feedback about their performance. And obviously there are many grading systems that exist. Care must be given that top performing students don't feel alienated by lower performing students receiving extra credit. To some students extra credit can be a "dismotivator". When EC is used, a fair system that the whole class is aware… >>>

Hello John: You are quite correct that all students use the different learning styles. Of course, some students rely more on one style over others. I find it amazing how much of computer technology is learned by show and tell, rather than from textbooks. And similarly, it's interesting how much students learn this way from each other. You've hit on something about the connection between tactile sense and learning successfulness. There's instant feedback and it seems like the visual/tactile neurons are especially stimulated by computerized learning. The more senses students are exposed in their leraning process will naturally improve their… >>>