I don't have much choice in selecting the way a student will be evaluated, the program director has outlined it. In the past I have been in teaching positions which employ taking a certain percentage of the total earned points in various categories. Tallying all the accrued percentages and assigning a grade based on the percentage total.
Michael,
Students learn best when a variety of learning activities are used. Therefore, it would make sense that a fair and accurate balance of weight be placed on the representative components that correspond to the learning activity. In the end, I want to feel secure that I have accurately measured learning rather than only creating what seems to look like a good grading system.
Barry Westling
I use multiple forms of assessments to reach the learning styles of all students. No one assessment is a “make or break†assessment. As an instructor I have 500 points to work with and have a free hand as to how these points are allocated. I teach a variety of classes so the assessments vary within the subject matter. Typically however I use the following: multiple choice quizzes and exams, hands on projects, cognitive essays, in class case studies with discussion and oral presentations on a particular topic. Michael Adessa
Chad,
In a way, it's a simple purpose, but a difficult goal to attain perfectly. The simple purpose is to come up with components that, in the end, measure learning. How each institution and instructor does that is the chore, and the better systems accurately measure learning. Socrates just asked questions, then evaluated the reponses. Fancy, complex, or simple, in the end we want to measure learning.
Barry Westling
The career school I teach at has 5 categories specified with weighted percentages: class participation, homework, quizzes, test, and final. We use an online grade program which makes it easy to implement this and share grades with students. For class participation I count mostly attendance, with deductions for lateness or leaving early. I teach math and do short instruction followed by class exercises, so I also make sure students are working on class problems. I check homework regularly, which is also easy for math. Quizzes sometimes include take-home assignments which extend and apply class topics. I also encourage test corrections, for which I give half-credit for missed items.
Gisele,
Rubrics are good in that they are about as objective as you can get (provided they are well written). Both instructor and student are bound by the measuremewnt of performance contained within the rubric. Little dispute over a grade can be reasonably argued by a student when the grading was based on criteria dervived from a rubric.
Barry Westling
Rubrics spreadsheet for clinical lab, technique and appearance, each subject matter carries point value toward the total. I also give them specific written scenarios they have to write a plan and execute it during lab, this will evaluate their reasoning and application.
Dawn,
Good use of resources. I think whatever method of evaluation is used, it has to measure learning. If that hasn't happened, or only partially so, then some sort of revivison is probably warranted.
Barry Westling
The school has requirements for written midterms and finals and sometimes practical midterm and fianls as well. I based my selection on what I am teaching. If it is a skill, I will have them demonstrate it and give them a rubrics of how they will be graded in advance. If it is knowledge, it may be written or oral. I have used games that come with some textbooks as quizzes even though they are working together in teams. Before giving an answer, they must discuss the question and possible answers. When giving the answer they must explain why they did not select the other possible answers. This way I not only see what they know but how they go through the elimination process.
Velma,
Evaluation is a very important component. If done correctly, we will measure the degree of learning that has (or has not) occurred. If care is not taken, students may earn points for busy work, and their final grade may not reflect what they actually learned in the class.
Barry Westling
Craig,
Nearly every teacher and institution has developed some sort of system they require for student evaluations. There are many varieties and methods teachers use. As an educator, my main interest is whether or to what degree the evaluation system measures learning. Points and grades are less important than how much the student learns from my classes.
Barry Westling
The college sets guidelines to be followed.
Within the guidelines are at least 3 exams throughout the course, graded course worksheets (homework), and a final exam.
In addition, I require a term paper on the field of study to be turned in at the end of the coursse.
Hello Crystal,
I agree with you on using a variety of assessments methods to evaluate the students. The most importanat piece is keeping it fair for all students. Like yourself I like using rubrics because it allows me to be more objective, and this method can be easily defended if questioned by students or anyone else.
Velma
The ways my students are evaluated are mostly decided by the institution. Students have quizzes, unit exams, and a comprehensive final exam. What each is worth is also largely decided by the institution but can be adjusted with input and discussion from the instructor. I do have the flexibility in assigning for example a presentation and using it as a quiz grade. The school’s policies also assist in the grading process for missed work. We have a policy that quizzes cannot be made up, and students have 5 days to retake a unit exam but 10 points will automatically be deducted. My grading for the presentation or any other work done utilizes a rubric so that the students are aware of how they can gain maximum points and when points will be lost. This makes it easy for me to be objective in grading and to remain fair to all students.
Patricia,
Many schools provide these procedural components. I think all teachers can still be messengers of hope and encouragement to their students by conveying they care and are concerned for the successfulness of their students.
Barry Westling
This is not an option for me as our college dictates the process (and I'm thankful!)
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
Juan,
This is good. Giving the information at the beginning (and then sticking to it) conveys orderly, organized, and fair grading practices. This is partly why I avoid extra credit because it falls out of line with my preset grading standards. I want to avoid any claim or perception of "unfair".
Barry Westling
In tests, I have to I have multiple choice. But in quizzes I try to use different methods such as labeling a model, setting up for a surgical procedure or naming surgical instruments.
All my courses are pre-set with assigments and scores. I can set the points for discussion and participation. I publish a the discussion and participation requirements at the beginning of class. I define what is required for full credit in both areas.
