To read the initial post about DR C's Academic Online Cruise, go HERE.
DR C—CAPTAIN'S LOG
ADVANCED ENGLISH COMPOSITION 102
ONBOARD AND ONLINE—WEEK SIXTEEN: APRIL 28-MAY 4
ONBOARD
Day One
No class was held on this day. Instead, I wanted to finish the final three conferences that were scheduled.
I told my trainees before the final conferences that everyone should pass this course. Their performance throughout this whole time on this ship has been the basis for this statement. Also, I wanted to assure every trainee that my mantra that “I grade on improvement” is real. And so, all they had to do is perform well on their final exam. Everyone did this except for one trainee.
This trainee did not make it on time for his conference. He did not submit his final. "Good Grief" was my reaction because I was “pulling for” this student as I have done for all of my trainees. Did he fail the course?
No. I kept my word that I would grade on improvement. This particular trainee has demonstrated remarkable improvement.
There were two parts to this final, the final that I would check at the conference and the other part of the final—four (4) in-class writings. These in-class writings gave those who might not have done well on the final that would be graded in the conference another way to demonstrate their ability to write under pressure. This student who missed the deadline to meet with me did demonstrate in the in-class writings as well as in past assignments. And this is why he passed, not with a high grade, but he did pass.
To read the initial post about DR C's Academic Online Cruise, go HERE.
DR C—CAPTAIN'S LOG
ADVANCED ENGLISH COMPOSITION 102
ONBOARD AND ONLINE—WEEK FIFTEEN: APRIL 21-27
ONBOARD—WEEK
Day One and Day Two
I continue my one-on-one conferences. I may have stated in a past log that they are about 25 minutes each in length. I check their final exams. And after doing so, I ask each one of my crew: “What grade do you feel you have earned for this final exam paper? Now, keep in mind your assessment should not be what you may have prayed for or what you may want. It should be the grade you feel this paper has earned."
In most cases, the crew member’s answer to my question and my assessment is within the range the work has actually earned.
ONLINE
I received the final exams on the first day of this week. Yes, I recognized this was during a holy week for some. However, I encouraged them to submit this final ahead of this time. Some did; some did not. The important factor is that all trainees knew this exam could not be submitted late.
Unfortunately, one trainee did submit his work late. I did not accept it. I reiterated the class policy regarding late work, which, at the beginning of this embarking of this ship’s voyage, each trainee acknowledged s/he understood and agreed with this rule. Furthermore, I indicated just how unfair it would be to his crewmates if I did accept his late final exam.
Reflections:
As long as I have served as a captain, I do know that one-on-one conferences are a must for trainees. Some trainees would never come and sit with a captain if this is not offered. Yes, those who do not want to meet with me I do allow. This seldom occurs. And for the many years I have held conferences, they have helped me give the individualized care that has been a key point of my role as captain.
I suggest that anyone who wants to take on this role, if s/he has not made conferences a major component of his/her instruction, that captain should do so.
Conferences are a major factor of my teaching and I shall always continue this methodology. They help me get to know my trainees more closely. And they get to know me. Both are very important.
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