creating an evaluation system that works
I frequently give open book or open teacher exams. I start discussions that carry throughout the class on given topics these are a little difficult to control because they can vere off onto other topics and must be steered in the right direction. However I have found that the class is more receptive to rote memory during open discussion.
Sherry,
Great idea. I do something similar (I call it "Teachers Challenge). It's good to keep pushing forward along with backing up to review, Push forward, backup to review. In sports, the atheletes practice, practice, practice. Muscians rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. In school, we should constantly review, review, review.
Barry Westling
I like to give verbal or class participation surveys. I ask a number of questions related to last weeks material and then see how many students are confident in responding. In this manner I can see how effective my teaching is on a weekly basis and review content as needed.
Joseph,
The best thing about active, supervised dicussions is they create opportunity to to teach critical thinking skills. This takes practice, and an environment or "laboratory" wher it's OK to question, to goof up, to err, to consider other options, and to be able to critique.
Barry Westling
