I agree with that statement. We try to encourage the sharing of real life work experiences as it adds to the overall material
I am teaching a specialized course in which the students have to perform physically as well as use their mental capacity to retrieve briefs and other words stored in their minds at a very rapid rate of speed. I observe them daily as they perform this process (task) with varying materials. The tests they take daily, weekly, etc., have to be performed at certain percentages and the tests do reveal their final results, problem areas, etc. Weekly I expect their performance to improve on an individual bassis, but with the goal of over-all performance to pass the State exam.
Pamela,
You are right, portfolios are too difficult to utilize in an accelerated course. Great use of groups, we all work in groups in real life!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Jared,
Yes, performing in real work experiences so they can use their knowledge in real life! That is important.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Michael ,
I's with you, case studies are very effective. It allows students to use their knowledge earned form the course as well as their other skills to solve a problem. Isn't that what we do in the real world?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Many of my students are adult learners seeking a second career or advancement in their current career. Real life experiences play a large role in the learning process for them. While I have not used portfolios in my classes as they are accelerated courses and time is not on our side for this. I do incorporate group projects where students can learn from each other and offer peer observations.
Most of my students are working professionals. Currently they are entry level and trying to move up in their industries. They are in an environment that provides them with real life examples and discussion opportunities in class. After we have discussed what they have seen we create the environment for them to practice in. I can observe their performance and provide feedback during our practice sessions.
Hello Dr. Wilkinson,
Case studies are used in some of my classes. They allow students to use our course content and specific firm and industry information to evaluate firms’ decision making. While not all students in business classes may have many years of experience, the assignments enable them to read the documents that firms have prepared. That is, they get a horse’s mouth perspective.
Best wishes,
Michael Luzius
Carlos,
You are correct. Real life and real examples both make learning real.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Yes. Students can relate better when they understand that the examples given to them have been examples their instructors have actually experienced.
Carlos,
do you mean that students respond better to real life scenarios?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Mentioning examples we have faced in our field has provided students with feedback on what is expected once they become part of the same.
Mentioning examples we have faced in our field has provided students with feedback on what is expected once they become part of the same.
Carolyn,
YOu are right. They can make the connections between technology and every day tasks that need the technology. It also will make them think about other uses regarding the technology. Learn transfer is a great thing!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Being an introduction to MS Office Applications, the one online class I teach does not use portfolios. Critical thinking and creativity (to a point) are brought in with Case Studies presented by the publisher of the textbook. Some students really get into this and present well-thought out assignments. Very creative too!
Yehia ,
What a great post. You make a great point regarding real work!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dr. Wilkinson,
Authentic assessments are genuine and more interesting to students than objective evaluations. In my medical billing and coding classes, I promote a career portfolio to my students. The career portfolio is assigned in the core classes only. The idea is very simple; each student is required to obtain a binder and clear sleeves to keep their documents. The portfolio contains many documents including the student's resume, job application, training certificates, continuing education units, reference letters, typing certificate, and any membership letter/card from a professional organization. The student portfolio is used to express technical knowledge to employers at the time of the interview. It is also a way for the student to maintain their own career documents until graduation and thereafter. My grads have expressed a great sense of pride in their portfolios and found it to be very helpful when going for an interview. A graduate feels very confident when they are able to prove their skills using valid documents and show it to a recruiter or an employer.
Janis,
This is a great "real world" experience. FYI, do a google search for a web site called stat attic. It is a great online hands on resource for students learning stats. It is very interactive.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
robert,
Case studies can work for you in that respect. They will allow you to make those connections to the real world.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Cynthia,
You make great points. You use the information to determine learning patterns of the students.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
