Re: Eric and Fred's ideas on grading -Reply

[Mickey Harris <harrism@mace.cc.purdue.edu>]

> it seems to me that the fact that students provide our
> raison d'etre and pay a sizable chunk of our operating expenses gives them
> a kind of authority in demanding quality and accountability from us. 
> 
> The real beauty of Paula's class structure is that it acknowledges this
> fact and draws the students into full participation.  Paula--my hat's off
> to you.
> 
> Jeanne Simpson
> csjhs@eiu.edu
> 

As usual,I'm seconding Jeanne's notion--in this case,about students'
investment in courses, and I'd add to that their investment of time
and energy. When interviewing for my tutor training class, I always
tell everyone that I'll explain the class as completely as I can
during the interview and will answer all questions as both the student
and I are going to be making choices...the student's choice (if
accepted to the class) will be whether to accept and thus  expend
that time, energy,& money, as well as losing the opportunity to take
some other class. So, they have to put some thought into their choice,
just as I do. By the way, some students see the point instantly, but
others (sadly) are startled by the idea.

And I too doff the old beanie to Paula....I'd take any opportunity
possible to applaud her publicly. And have we WCenter people thought
about how we'll do that at CCCC, in appreciation of all her efforts in
chairing the organization of on-site stuff? Maybe a rousing WCenter
cheer at the opening session?????? 

-- 
Mickey Harris
harrism@mace.cc.purdue.edu