Hello everybody,
When we return after our well deserved October break, there will be only 9 weeks until the end of the academic year (that nicely avoids the 'C' word!)
Below is how I intend to roll out the classes which will be a mixture of reading analysis practice, discussion, working in small groups and doing two assessments. I feel that if we get these two reading assessments out the way it will mean we (you) will have three out the eight assessments done a few weeks with me before the end of the semester and gives us a good run at work to do in the New Year. In fact, once Andrew has looked at your reports on serial killers and I have sampled some of them to ensure the quality is of an appropriate standard, that will be four, which is no mean feat. Integrated assessments always work well to reduce the workload.
Anybody who has not achieved assessment passes by the end of the first semester will be able to use the catch-up week which is week commencing 22nd January 2018. That will hopefully bring everybody up to speed.
The reading assessments / teaching fits nicely with the listening assessments too and how I will teach you is the formula needed to achieve passes in the assessments.
I have been busy updating teaching and assessment materials for you, but this preparation is not misplaced prep., as you can use any helpnotes I give you for the actual assessments. Both the reading assessments are new for 2017, so hopefully they will work out well.
So, here is how I intend to roll out the next nine weeks. I am a great believer in schedules and sticking to them, so there should be no problems if we follow this recipe for success.
23/10 - reflecting on the discussion assessment, reading a newspaper article on plagiarism, particularly in Universities, discussion around this important topic and information on how you can answer reading analysis questions. Lots of handouts to keep for you.
30/10 - answering practice questions on plagiarism article in small groups (sample answers at the end after group discussion).
6/11 - practice reading exercise on working in the mental health sector from the perspective of a health professional (sample answers at the end after group discussion).
13/11, 20/11, 27/11 - first reading assessment - this will be on a topic of interest and I will mark what you have done for the following week so the assessment is continuous.
4/12, 11/12 and 18/12 - second reading assessment - see above.
I have allowed three weeks for each assessment which means that you all have sufficient time to complete the assessment(s). Everybody will receive one to one written and verbal feedback on their work.
One other thing, in addition to the helpnotes I distribute to you, you are also permitted to use a dictionary should you so wish. The answers will be handwritten and done in class with me supervising but your spelling etc. is NOT being assessed here, just your answers.
I hope you will all be able to enjoy your break and I look forward to seeing you all on our return on 23rd October.
All the best,
Mark
Oh no my holiday is during my assessment time 🙈🙈
ReplyDeleteThat's always the risk with holidays during term time. BUT, remember, as you can see, there are effectively six two hour sessions to get through two assessments, plus some time in the catch-up week, so you don't need to panic. I need to be there though (for the assessments, not the holiday!) as it has to be supervised and can't be done outwith the scheduled classes. I'm sure you will be fine, so don't worry. The reason I give sufficient time for the assessments is to allow for students being ill, unavoidable appointments, family emergencies etc., all of which can happen.
DeleteIt's after 11pm so I admit this looks overwhelming however I know through experience it'll be fine when I take it in tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteAppreciate the heads up, much preferred to getting a weeks notice of an assessment.
Rather unfortunate , my holidays are 16th Nov - 3rd , I wouldn’t mind putting in extra work in class if required so as to not fall behind. Thanks for the reassurance though I’m glad it’s not all doom and gloom!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information Mark we're a good class Ashleigh, Laura, we'll get there helping each other out
ReplyDeleteYes, the first three weeks back will be reflection on what we have done, some lecturer instruction and most importantly, learning from each other by working in small groups. I will facilitate the learning by coming round to see how each group is getting on, then provide sample answers (which are a guide). I hope everyone is having a nice wee break, much needed I'd say! Cheers.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads up. Im looking forward to getting some written work done. I will also be off the 13th of november but hopefully i will catch up 2 ���� xxxx
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Raechael. I have allowed three sessions for each assessment, which will be sufficient in most, if not all, cases. The catch-up week will help any members of the class to get up to speed as necessary. I look forward to seeing the whole class back together tomorrow. All the best, Mark
ReplyDeleteBring it on! Is it sad that I'm missing college and excited to get stuck in- thanks for the update Mark
ReplyDeleteSeems like the blog can have the Pringle effect - one comment and you can't stop! Nice to have you on board Kirsty and as for being sad, conscientious might be a kinder word ;-) Tomorrow will be a jam packed class - reflection on the discussion assessment, a look at the blog for all members to see what has been happening, some teaching around the approach to answering analysis and evaluation questions and some discussion around a text on plagiarism and associated issues within. So plenty of different things to look forward to I hope. I too am looking forward to seeing the class as a whole again.
ReplyDeleteSee you then,
Mark