Kristen Schommer

I think it is wise to use a wide variety of assessment techniques. While there are instances where multiple choice is appropriate, certainly essay questions provide a challenge to students as well. Using these assessments also provides the instructor an opportunity to gather data on student skill level in regards to writing.

I teach an interpersonal relations course and I find it fascinating when students realize how important these skills are. Employers note that technical skills are not the primary reason for employee terminations, but rather an inability to communicate well with others. I think many of us take these skills for granted and assume our students are well versed. At the end of my course, students tend to comment on how beneficial these skills are to not only their careers, but their personal life as well.

Over time I have learned that questioning students, and giving them adequate time to respond, is essential. Too often, I would not receive and answer and then move on. Waiting and perhaps phrasing the question differently, allowed students to have time to process and respond.

In the online environment it can be challenging to deliver in all four modalities. It is critical that those that kinesthetic and auditory learners are still able to utilize the online world. Through a well rounded variety of assignments this can be done. I do agree that instructors would gravitate towards the method that we are most comfortable receiving new information in. By switching this up for our students, we also benefit as instructors.

It is critical to give your students specific feedback. I teach online and feel that it is essential to provide feedback that is unique to each individual student. Especially when they do not have the ability to see you in a traditional classroom setting, this piece becomes such an important way to communicate that you care.