Describes field course which emphasizes mapping techniques and preparation of a field report. Includes course methods/procedures, course schedule (broken down by weeks), grading practices/methods, student response to and performance in the course, nature of field area studied, and comments to those who may want to adapt such a course. (JN)

Discusses how some behavioristic techniques can increase humanism in schools. Describes activities to enhance students' active participation in the self-actualization process, including using behavioral objectives, evaluation, and grading. Defines classroom application of behavioral principles and suggests they encourage a humanistic environment.…

Two professors describe their experience when a student filed a grievance protesting their grading methods and offer suggestions to other faculty on how to handle such a procedure. Each step from the first interaction with the student through the hearing is discussed, along with sources of student grievances. (MF)

Suggestions for improved course management include: (1) up-to-date syllabus, (2) course objectives and teacher expectations communicated in syllabus, (3) written weighted requirements for course, (4) written expectations in regard to papers and projects, (5) discussion of student responsibility, (6) clarification of grading criteria, (7) state…

Inflated college grades reflect an underlying problem: inappropriate content, modes of presentation, and modes of assessment. Many popular assumptions about how to address the question of standards (modifying transcripts, freeing teachers from external pressure, using grades as an indicator of quality) emphasize grades rather than standards.…

The purpose of assigning writing that will not be formally graded is to assist students in learning subject matter and to create a classroom context that encourages active learning and interactive teaching. Offers three examples of college-level writing-to-learn assignments used in various disciplines, and some ways teachers can respond to such…

Describes several ways to share information with parents about their children's progress in physical education class, noting both traditional and nontraditional reporting methods, discussing standard report cards, and examining newer report cards that are based on stated learning standards and driven by technology. Additional methods of sharing…

Whether cutting score equivalents (CSEs) based on examinee performance are the same as CSEs based on expert judgment was examined using data from 3,262 examinees taking an internal medicine certification examination. CSEs produced by 40 physicians/experts were closer to the criteria than were standards derived from examinee performance. (SLD)

A 1986-1987 survey of the physiology curricula in U.S. medical schools revealed that physiology departments must give a high priority to reorganizing and revitalizing teaching. There is a need to reevaluate course content, decide the fate of the student laboratory, and develop new, innovative teaching techniques. (Author/MLW)

Describes an experiment in student self-assessment in a computer science course at the Polytechnic of Wales. Reasons for choosing self-assessment of learning and the assessment methods used are discussed, responsibilities of students and the teacher are examined, student and teacher attitudes are reported, and benefits of self-assessment are…

Investigates the effects on multiple choice test performance of altering the order and placement of questions and responses. Shows that changing the response pattern appears to alter significantly the apparent degree of difficulty. Response patterns become more dissimilar under certain types of response alterations. (LS)

Discusses the problems of grading an organic laboratory course. Proposes that the grade should be based as: products--30 percent of the grade; notebooks--30 percent of the grade; exams and final report--40 percent of the grade. Gives an exception policy for special considerations. (MVL)

Offers seven criteria for developing mathematical thinking, plus suggestions for teaching and assessing students' progress that are compatible with each learning criterion. Provides evaluation sheets that help the teacher assess and grade students on the criteria. (10 references) (MDH)

A survey of 61 pharmacy students in 2 undergraduate patient counseling courses investigated attitudes concerning use of learning contracts. Results indicated most students were highly inclined toward self-directed learning, contracts were clear on grading expectations, and contract grading facilitated learning and reduced classroom anxiety and…

A pharmacy course in nonprescription drugs in which student evaluation was based on homework assignments, written reflective paragraphs, and class attendance but not examinations was seen by students as enhancing their personal sense of responsibility for learning. (Author/MSE)