Tena Crews

Krystal, Encouraging students to participate and be engaged in the learning process is essential. Questions from students are great and sometimes need to be prompted as some students are reluctant to ask questions. Keep getting them involved and keep up the good communication with students. Thanks!

Cindy, Thanks for your input. First and foremost you do have to think about the learning objectives/course outcomes. Connecting them to assignments/projects/rubrics, etc. is essential. As you offer course content in a variety of ways, you'll be connecting with the many ways students take in and interpret information. And, yes, a well-designed course facilitate the learning. Nice job.

Virginia, Yes, consistency is a benefit from using rubrics. And, you are right, they help the students as well. It's beneficial to use them for self- and peer-assessment. It's best to include the assignment/course objective(s) in the rubric as well. Thanks!

Virginia, Thanks for your input. I am glad you enjoyed the information and can relate it to various areas in your life. Everyone is different and we have to take the time to work with all individuals. Thanks!

Donna, Thanks for providing succinct, yet complete information in your posting. I agree that the course outcomes/objectives must be considered when creating assignments and assessments. When you use your rubrics to evaluate the assignments, place the course objectives in the rubrics as well to help students connect the objectives to the assignments. Doing this and communicating your expectations, you will help build community in your course. Nice job.

Virginia, Any type of written communication can be misunderstood. That is for sure. The pattern you have developed in being respectiful and supportive is great. Timeliness is important as well. It's important to communicate with students as to when you will reply to emails or dicsussion board postings. My rule is that I will reply within 24 hours. Some use 48 hours as their rule. However, whatever the rule, stick with it an be consistent. Thanks again for your input.

Virginia, Too funny. I remember those things as well. You bring up some good points about technology being user friendly and working with a variety of people and technologies. It is difficult to keep up with the new technologies, but it's important to find technologies that work for you and your course. Thanks!

Krystal, Thank you for your input. Youare right on target. The feedback should help students learn more and move forward in their learning. This is hard sometimes as students to now carefully review what instructors return to them. So, it's important to help them understand the importance of reading and thinking about the feedback and how it pertains to their learning. Providing positive feedback in a detailed, meaningful way is one way to do that. It's helps set the tone that the instructor cares about their learning. Nice job!

Gail, Yes, it does. A rubric helps the student know what is expected and helps the instructor grade consistently. It is important to put the learning objectives/outcomes directly into the rubric. The student can then understand now only how to do something, but why he/she is doing it. Thanks for your input through these forums.

Gail, I can relate to those ditto machines. The smill and the purple on my white pants. ;-) You are correct in that it's the appreciation - appreciation of the audience and that develops a connection between the learner and teacher. Culture, yes, that too plays an important role. Being aware of all of these is the first step. Thanks for your input.