Funke Second Posting

What did you learn from the initial readings and activities about assessment? What surprised you? What irritated you?

I mentioned in my previous post that some of the readings were reminiscent of Dee Fink's text, materials and workshop. I am looking forward to looking at the CATs to see which ones will be most effective and hopefully learn some new strategies. I think using the internship class will be a great method for program assessment. I am on an evaluation subcommittee in my department and we want to revise our instruments and strategy for assessing our graduates and the employers of our graduates. This content will help me to create a better list of "what we want to see in our learners/graduates". There are many ways I can use this information and that is starting to fall into place for me. APR, CPRs, IFRs including teaching portfolios, you name it, I've got to do them now, especially as interim co-chair. I don't have any surprises or irritations to report.

What challenged your thinking? What questions do you find yourself asking after the second session?

In response to looking at Bloom's taxonomy I was thinking more about how to create critical thinking, synthesis, etc. in my students. I have often said to myself that I would like to do this with students, especially on tests and papers, but I honestly do not know how. Can a multiple choice question be a critical thinking question? (I suppose it can) I can hear the students say-"but that wasn't in our notes or the book!" I would really like someone help me to be able to do this.
In addition, when I think about affective objectives, I always viewed this as a way to get students to explore their own values and attitudes directly. For example, "The student will clarify their attitudes in regard to sexual orientation." (attitude inventory, small group discussion). But in Bloom, it was not nearly so precise. I think I need some clarification here.

Funke addendum

I too had never been exposed to blogs or wikis so I am glad to add that experience via the FDW course.

Funke First Posting

a. What did you learn in the first session about assessment?
We have a great group of faculty and I liked hearing some of the issues faced by the different disciplines. I have some familiarity with assessment already but I welcome the chance to learn more and do a better job with application.
b. What are you worried about? (Questions and concerns)
I was concerned about choosing to use the Human Sexuality class for my assessment practice course, particularly when Autumn said the large size would be difficult to manage. I was disappointed at first because I had several ideas for the course but I chose to seek another option. I can still pursue the ideas with the Human Sexuality class, just independently. I've been given some information on clickers and I will still plan to speak with the textbook representative about their clicker systems.
c. What are you excited about? (Hopes and dreams)
I am looking forward to implementing some strategies with the 9 students in our capstone experience, the student internship. I had not thought this could be a course option so I was pleased when the idea came to me and was approved by Autumn. This is a 12 credit, 480 hour requirement that is taken at the end of all coursework. Although most of the interns are in various locations throughout the state, there are elements in place for regular communication. Since this is one of the most "telling" aspects of the effectiveness of our curriculum, I am very interested in using a variety of techniques to get the most information and to do program revision as needed.

My First Blog

Yea!