Month: April 2016

Logistics!

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I am taking a big car trip this summer and am really enjoying making all the plans.  Traveling with me will be my school-age niece and nephew. We have been poring over maps, deciding on destinations and hotels, and determining how often we will need to stop to avoid the “are we there yet” cries from the backseat.  All fun stuff! If you are registered for the 6th Annual Regional Community College Assessment Conference, you should be finalizing your plans about now.  So here is some free advice to make the most of your conference experience. Take a look at the program in advance to scope out the sessions you would most like to attend. Also, be sure and pack lots of business cards to share with colleagues and vendors.  I encourage you to share your conference experience as it happens via live-tweeting at  #RCCAC16. Follow us at @JCCCOOA But most importantly, come prepared to be challenged and invigorated by what your Continue reading Logistics!→

Using Mastery Learning to Bridge Gaps

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Mention Kellogg to me and it’s a sure bet I will think of Tony the Tiger and Frosted Flakes.  But cereal will not be the focus when Shannon McGregor from Des Moines Area Community College presents a session entitled, “Using Mastery Learning to Bridge Critical Analysis Gaps in Composition Classes: A Study for the Kellogg Institute.”  This interesting breakout will focus on best practices and policies related to developmental education and is based on the time spent by the presenter at the Kellogg Institute. The Kellogg Institute for Adult and Developmental Educators and Learning Skills Specialists is the nation’s longest running professional development program for practitioners who serve underprepared and underserved college students and is housed at Appalachian State University.  By the way, you don’t have to be in developmental education to gain something from this session because it introduces attendees to the rich research and plentiful resources available through the institute while showing how techniques can be adapted across a writing program and the college Continue reading Using Mastery Learning to Bridge Gaps→

Levels

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“Level” (noun) a device used for determining or adjusting something to a horizontal surface. (Dictionary.com) The building trades use levels extensively to make sure that the foundation upon which a building rests is completely square and on the level.  Building upon an uneven or out-of-square foundation can cause long-term problems with cracks to the foundation and shifting of walls within the structure over time.  So being level is of critical importance in all phases of the construction of any structure. Starting an assessment process on the level can be equally important.  Metropolitan Community College has been endeavoring to build a foundation of assessment over the last five years that has improved outcomes, the discipline review process, and accountability for assessment. The college is now ready to “level up” with their general education outcomes.  In the next round of building their assessment structure, the college will evaluate assessment through meta-analysis by combining discipline assessment with CCSSEE results. Come to the Regional Continue reading Levels→