Value Added
In sales we are taught that in addition to the purchase, it is impportant that there is "value added" to complete the sale. Teaching is like that. The students need more then just a grade, more then just the specific required information, they need to take home with them an additional amount of information consider under the category of value added. This could be career information, job hunting tips, interview skills, management or leadership information and or tips about activities in the region that might be of interest
I think that the grade is irrelevant, all that matters is what they get out of the class that will make their knowledge bank bigger.
The more value you add that is relevant to that student the better.
Hi Eric,
You make an interesting point about grades. How do you determine what competencies your students have acquired during your course?
Gary
I think that grades are only important becuase we have been using that system for years and feel comfortable using it. Grades only capture your knowledge within that short/long timeframe. Students can get more added value besides getting an "A".
Hi Said,
I agree in terms of what is a letter grade? It is a professional assessment of that individual based upon the instructor's evaluation of test results and competencies developed. Since letter grades are the most commonly used format for reporting student success we use them all over the world. I believe we need to share additional growth by showing student work through such things as projects and portfolios.
Gary
Hooray. I am not alone it this respect. I believe that the current method of written testing is flawed as it doesn't consider the element of naturally occurring, trained or untrained subconscious information retrieval. Unfortunately, until a greater number of teacher/instructors agree AND have the inclination to develop an alternate method of testing, we are still dealing with the best system available, even if it is flawed...........( almost sounds political !!!)
Hi Bob,
Good point! I believe that we need to use alternative forms of assessment such as skill performances and career portfolios to identify the growth and learning of our students. This is because the students will be evaluated (retained) out in the work world based upon their ability to perform the required skills.
Gary
The current method of testing seems to be only workable but not comprehensive or perfect. Also, not all the skills and added values acquired by the students from their education are measured by the standard method of testing. I agree that there are needs for an alternative set of assessments to be developed to evaluate other skills and performances, as Dr Gary Meers has suggested.
