Manuchar Mikayelyan

Use of holistic assessments is so important that all students can feel empowered and valued in the learning process and so their learning can be truly measured.

In project-based thinking the students should have the chance to choose their best work, provide a summary of the work and why they chose it, and then submit it for grading. This will provide them with a strong sense of ownership as well as encouraging them from the outset of the course to take the approach of having the end in mind. 

I think it is very important that teachers should not dictate when or how interaction takes place but only that it should. Where teacher expertise supports the process is in guiding the student to recognize relevant and helpful interactions as opposed to ineffective wastes of time.

What are scaffolds and how students benefit? A course of study progressing in an ongoing dynamic process of learning relies on a variety of inputs, learning supports (scaffolds), and interaction. Each of these aspects of the dynamic process cannot exist without the others; however, together, they maximize the students’ potential for reaching a high level of learner autonomy through self-directed choices and customized application or outcome.

I liked the statement "What does it mean to “close the loop”? The strict definition is that the output provides feedback to change the system’s inputs." this is why evaluation is so important.

I would like to emphasize the key components of meaningful feedback include the following: connected to learning objectives, frequent, positive in tone, automatic if possible, provided in a variety of ways: written (peer or instructor feedback), auditory, visual. Also to be individualized, specific and detailed.

I like to distinguish 2 important properties of the online syllabus.

The syllabus as a legend on a map allows you to find components easily and decide where you need to go.

An online course syllabus must be dynamic.

I would like to emphasize the importance of Course framework and Learning-objects database.

A course framework is the road map for course development. Here you can plan where you want to go, stay on course, and successfully arrive at your final destination.

A learning-objects database is a repository in which to store files, graphics, audio, video, or any course component that may be used more than once in a course or in several courses. 

Potential benefits are provided by value-added assessment over other methods of analyzing student scores include focus, fair comparison, accountability, and diagnostics. These all assist in investigating students' growth in learning by comparing students' current level of learning to their own past learning.

Rubrics should be used in the assessment process because many experts believe that rubrics improve students' end products and therefore increase learning. When students receive rubrics prior to the assignment/project, they understand how they will be evaluated and can prepare accordingly.

The difference between validity and reliability. Validity is more important. Validity ensures a test measures what it is intended to measure. Validity is essential. It is more crucial than the reliability. Also, if a test is valid, it is almost always reliable.