Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction

James, We can't help having our biases and preferences - it's part of the reason we were hired, based on our experience. That said, I agree that a good fielkd trip can be motivational and possibly provide an additional perspective different than possible in the classroom, simply because it's a different setting. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Leon, The overarching criteria I use is "how best can I accurately measure learning". That may vary from class to class. But whatever I use, it has to be fair, fairly comprehensive (using multiple compnents), be as objective as possible (why I don't allow extra credit), and directly related to the course topics, objectives, and learning outcomes. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting evaluation methods

Leon, As stated ealier, we can evaluate in many ways throught the day. Methods include Q&A, witten and verbal quizzes and tests, observation of discussions, ect. These methods may or may not be used to formulate or compute into the grade. But they do help us understand how much or to what degree learning is (or has) occurred. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Leon, Yes, of course we need to derive grades. Also, a bit of semantics. Evaluation implies comparison, whereas assessment implies measurement. I know these two terms are often interchanged, but they have specfic meanings in education, and actually serve different purposes. We can evalaute students all day long, and we should. Assessment is at predetermined measuring points. But alas, it's only semantics! Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Leon, I agree about how students crave input and positive feedback from their instructor. It's important instructors take the time for this important activity frequently. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Leon, I'm all for further learning, but I oppose the giving of credit for it. I choose not to give extra credit. Good students may want to do additional assignment or even a project that is not required. While that is admirable, doing it for cresit sets the wrong example for preparing the students for the work setting. We don't get extra credit at work for doing a good job, although we may be evaluated on how our work measures up to expectations. So if something helps students learns that is beyond normal expectations, I allow that, but not for… >>>

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Cathleen, Super! This creates a sense that you care, want to help students learn, and are flexible in your presentation. Students should appreciate that, and benefit from it as well. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Andrew, This is a great idea! What I like is the premise that avoids the "gotcha" feeling some students feel about testing, and puts emphasis on the "you got it" level. I imagine students appreciate the effort you put in to giving these mini pretests. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Leon, Right - this is the primary benefit to the students and instructor, to be able to plan where and what emphasis is needed for the current students in class. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting sufficient course content

Leon, Good ideas. Also, I will look to the course objectives to mete out what and how I want material to be covered. Barry Westling