CTL

Strategy & Planning 2010-2011

Hello,

As the semester starts, I would like to remind of you the value of carefully scheduling and pacing assignments.

1) Given that we are moving to a new campus - it might be easier NOT to schedule tests and quizzes in the week before and after the move given that small, but normal, disruption that accompanies a major shift of location. This may mean adjusting the date of midterms. However, please do not plan a second midterm at the very end of the semester. Students need feedback on assignments/ tests before they begin to prepare for the final exam.

2) Given that our parameters are:

a) Our students need lots of practice and repetition to fully understand new concepts.

b) Our students need helpful and timely feedback on homework, projects, quizzes and tests.

c) Our teachers need to work in a way which does not lead to exhaustion and burn-out.

I suggest that you plan your semester so that you have time to give and grade assignments, without feeling overwhelmed by work.

Some suggestions:

If you have family commitments on weekends, do not ask students to hand in homework on Wednesday. Ask for homework on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays or Tuesdays.
When you are revising a topic, have students switch homework assignments with other students, then review the answers as a class discussion.
Ask specific questions frequently in class to judge how well the students understand the material.
For presentations, create a rubric which you discuss with students ahead of time, then fill in the rubric as the student gives the presentation.
If you teach several different classes, space out quizzes and exams by a few days so that you do not have 135 tests to grade all at once. A marking overload delays returning the tests to students and wears out the teacher.

Best,

Marielle