It is likely that evaluation in this class will be handled quite differently
than in other classes you've taken. That is because I am trying out a very
different approach to evaluating learning. You can help determine whether this
approach works better for students.
In the first place, I am asking you to help me develop a way of constructing
evaluation in terms of activities and appropriate feedback or response to
activities, rather than in terms of "products." This means, for example, that
there will be no individual grades on writing completed in the course. You will
do a great deal of writing, reading, and thinking in this class, and you will need
to be aware of how the class activities are unfolding and what your own efforts
contribute to those activities. Some of these are individual activities, and others
are collaborative. Many of the activities involve exploring new forms of writing
and communicating via computers and networks. Part of your evaluation will involve
your engagement with the environment, both social and technological, of the class.
You will also need to establish how you are evolving towards your own goals as a
scholar and teacher.
In the second place, you will be providing most of the evaluation yourself,
based on your own and others' observations and interpretations of your learning
across five dimensions: confidence, skills and
strategies, use of personal experience, knowledge of the subject matter of the
course, and reflection. You will 1.) think about your development across these
dimensions, 2.) consider the evidence from your own writing, as well as observations
made by yourself, other students, and myself, and 3.) make interpretations and come
to some conclusions about your own learning in this class, based on your goals as
scholars and teachers. I'll try to assist you in making your observations and
interpretations, and provide whatever support you need to make an accurate
evaluation of your development in this course. One of the key ways I do this
is through my comments on your ongoing writing. Please be aware of the way
that absences can affect your final evaluation.
In the middle of the semester, then, I'll ask you to submit
a portfolio which will include some evidence
of your learning so far, as well as your interpretations about your development.
I'll respond to your portfolio with comments to help you think about your goals
for upcoming activities. At the end of the course, you will once again submit a
portfolio with your final evaluation. This
evaluation will provide the basis for
your final grade in the course.
Questions? Email Peg Syverson: syverson@uts.cc.utexas.edu