In this module I learnt that you have to learn or identify how each of your students are and how they learn or what makes it easier for them to absorb the information that is being taught. Also, active learning can help students helps in the learning process plus have them participate more
Student learn by being engaged
Quite frankly, this section scared me due to the myriad of levels in which our students are. In other words, how does one go about addressing the fact that they are from different backgrounds and may have different ideas about morals and values. Better yet, how does one go about compartmentalizing the differences?
Well, relax. This has already been done. From my vantage point and in a wonderful display of "cooperation", classes reason (on their own) the best way to go about operating as a class. This is usually brought forward by an undercurrent of "motus operandi" on behalf of the better performing students. All other students seen to follow their lead until they find that they can or cannot handle the responsibility. Thereafter, they begin to adapt reasons that have been presented through past examples of those that have been successful at producing lackluster performances.
If a student does not have the opportunity or is not assisted in developing the needed soft skills for employment success then the instructor and/or institution are not preparing the student for career success.
I learned about assessments for students and how it helps you understand your students education level.
I learned the importance of CATs (Classroom Assessment Techniques) and their ability to help students connect their learning to application.
This lesson drove home the importance of student learning assessments and provided future instructors with considerations to improve their assessment process.
doing the mini classrooms assessment techniques (CATs)are something that I can incorporate into class teaching. Sometimes our curriculum is lecture heavy--so by bringing in these soft skills more often it would help develop the student's ability to be successful in their careers
A good review of student evaluation and assessment
In my situation, a constant flow of 1000 students a year, I need to develop more formative assessments along the course of the program. We already have a summative assessment, but it is really inadequate in my opinion.
I learnt the importance of active learning and getting student participation in class by using for example, CATS.
Problem solving skills are difficult to assess with objective testing. It's better to assign in class problems and watch students work through them together. This also helps them to see the importance of teamwork.
there has to be, in my opinion, a lot of time spent with students. that's how one can gauge their understanding. not just testing. there are other cues of progress not found in testing.
The section shows that it is detrimental to have appropriate assessments/testing done to evaluate what has been learned
It was validating to read that assessing students for their ability to critically think, demonstrate ethical reasoning, etc. is challenging! That is something I have felt for years but to be reassured 'it is not just me' helps :)
I learned that utilizing CATs activity will assist in determining if students comprehend course material.
This module got me to contemplate the use of Formative and Summative assessment, choosing assessment levels based on Bloom's Taxonomy, and using CATS as a 'small scale assessment technique'. It also gave me insight in using assessment for promoting general education in students.
Encouraging active student learning should be a goal for instructors.
Assessing students is a good way of knowing wether the students have gained some knowledge from what the instructor has conducted.. A method of assessing I liked most is the CATs.
