Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Mistakes made when selecting course content

Mary, Yes, giving unrealistic expectations usually leads to frustration, alienation, and perhaps a diminished respect for the teacher (if done repeatedly). Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using senses in learning

Mary, Getting students accustomed to being sensitive to the natural world around them and the learning that can occur from this awareness is quite helpful in providing a more comprehensive learning experience. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reasons for evaluating students

Juan, Yes, I want accuracy as often as possible. From the beginning, there should be a plan in place and regular updates to measure how close we are coming to meeting the plan. Some teachers call these "Course Agreements", using an anaolgy from the legal sytem, where the plan is like a contract, i.e., you do this and I'll do that. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Juan, Right - no surprises. Just like us a s employees, we want to know what our boss thinks about our work, how we're doing, and what is needed to improve. So it is in the classroom. Also, it's nice when the boss comes around frequently to observe, support, encourage, and perhaps, give advice. Again, so it is in the classroom. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Awarding extra credit

Juan, Thats a good thing. EC really is about grades and points, and less about learning, which is what our focus should be. I'm all for helping students in every way, but EC only manipulates points and grades. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Kelsey, When teachers have restrictions, they can make up for it in the delivery component. Providing interest and informative lessons will help your students. How they're measured is something different. But for sure, your students will have received a full complement of instruction! Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Juan, I find staying claose to the course objectives and studentlearning outcomes help me measure only what is taught. Of course, I have to make sure that I teach to the objectives and SLO's. Assuming I do, then the next challenge is finding the right balance of weight, so that the more important information receives more weight than less important information. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Setting up a grading system

Juan, Grading rubrics are generally a good way to assure objectivity, consistency, and fairness in the grading process. The more specific and detailed the better they will reflect how close the student came to meeting the teachers expectations, and thus, assigning an appropriate grade. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Informing students of status in course

Nancy, Your progress report method and going over the expectations early on are great ways to insure student adherence. Of course, not all students will meet all standards 100%, all the time, but clarity in the standards help avoid misunderstandings. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting evaluation methods

Kelsey, Variety in all aspects of the instructional process is graet, including evaluation. Especially for medical specialties, there can be no room or allowances for "some errors". Assessing by diffent methods helps assure learning is occuring at the level and pace expected. Barry Westling