Angela Myss

Discussion Comment

I had to laugh when I read the section on x-tra credit. I recently made a rooky mistake with x-tra credit. I thought I was being "smart" by giving students the opportunity to re-take a test. My goal was to give the students interested in learning a second chance of success. This was the first quiz and scores ranged from 10%-35% or 90%-100%. I'll spare you all the details, but I am curious if you have any advice on how I can fix the problem at the end of the term?

Angela Myss

Discussion Comment

Taking into consideration the students ability to complete homework

I struggle with assigning homework tough enough to challenge the strong students and easy enough that the struggling students don't feel overwhelmed. How do you suggest I handle the students that aren't willing to put any effort into the homework? Should I consider their "lack of effort" as the students "ability" to complete an assignment?

Angela Myss

Discussion Comment

The learning environment

Environment is very important to me and my students often "poke fun" at me when I move tables around and give everyone the personal space and classroom environment I find most benefical for learning. I recently introduced the class to "white noise" during an exam and the majority of students requested the "white noise" for all tests and individual study time. Most of my students don't have the luxury of studying in the comfort of a home office. If they don't have multiple roommates, many have kids playing in the next room or find themselves trying to study at work,… >>>

Angela Myss

Discussion Comment

Handouts vs Student Portal

I have always made copies of everything for my students and have recently decided this is a waste of my time, paper and money. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can minimize the various technological excuses used by students? Most of my students are new to the school and won't get a laptop until the last week of my class. Is it reasonable to expect all students (regardless of their laptop situation) be responsible for online assignments, announcements and class content?

Angela Myss

Discussion Comment

Learning from Assessments

I like to give my students the opportunity to learn from their mistakes. I no longer hand out homework assignments until the end of class because I am frustrated with the students that have been brainwashed into thinking that effective "learning" and successfully completing a "homework" assignment, both produce the same results. In my opinion, homework is often a mindless "task" that students try to accomplish before the real learning takes place. I am trying to strike a balance between inspiring students to learn and assigning the appropriate amount of homework to validate a students success.

Angela Myss

Discussion Comment

Length of assessments?

How much time should be spent assessing students? I am currently teaching 5 week term and am giving daily quizzes. I would like to give a weekly assessment that is more representative of a major exam. My concern, is that too much time would pass by the time a problem would be identified. What are your thoughts?

Angela Myss

Discussion Comment

Taking a step back to move two steps forward

I am in class now that is challenging and very rewarding. My classroom consisted of a few students that are very intelligent, a few students struggling with the English language, a couple students with learning disabilities that have requested my assistance and a handful of students that are very disrupting to the class. The remaining few students are quiet and getting lost in the chaos. It didn't take long to recognize I needed help. The first quiz scores reinforced the sense of urgency and need for change. Half the class earned 100%, the other half were lucky if they scored… >>>