End of Semester Classroom Assessment: SP 2010

In multiple conversations, class discussions and journal writings, classes have provided me with valuable feedback on teaching this semester.

Concurrent Assignments: Several students voiced frustration with working on a deadline for paper, and before that deadline is reached – having subsequent papers addressed in class. This breaks from the simple linear progression more common in most of their previous classes. While this more closely approaches real life/ work situations, it does demand organizational skills. I’m in the process of gaining feedback from other teachers here at the college. If the majority avoid or disagree with my position on concurrent assignments and have reasons to support their opinions – I will reconsider adapting a more linear and less recursive approach.

Inquiry Learning: while the theory may under-gird much of the comp 2 lesson plan, future students will benefit from having more of this particular andragogical discussion early in the semester – Additionally, regardless of future decisions on concurrent assignments, we need to discuss the iSearch assignment early in the semester (because, after all, the “i” is for “inquiry”).

Minutia of MLA: even though it may seem redundant to me to discuss what can so easily be looked up in a wide variety of places (Free MLA handbook online) – more class time may be warranted.

Syllabus quiz update: next semester we need to add questions to the syllabus quiz re: 1) it is possible to pass the class if one of the formal essays/ papers is not turned in (False, it isn’t). 2) any late work can be turned in at any time up to the final exam ( if it’s a formal essay it must be turned in pass – but after 2 weeks there are no points available and after 3 weeks – or after the final day to drop – a student risks becoming an academic zombie ( present – but with no chance of passing the class).