DR C's Academic Online Cruise Ship—Week Sixteen: Trainees Get Their Grades

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. 


Day Two

As I have always done, I distributed an evaluation sheet that gave my trainees an opportunity to critique the materials used in this course, the course, and my teaching of the course. 

Their answers were to be anonymous, so they were placed in a large envelope. And they knew I would not look at their critiques until everyone walked out of the classroom. After all of the critiques were placed in the envelope, I said my good-bye, gratitude to them for being my trainees, and wishes that they continue their preparation to be solid captains.

Finally, I gave them their course grades. They knew this would be an opportunity for them, if they did not agree with the grade written on the card, to express their concerns. These concerns had to be expressed before they walked out of the classroom in order for me to consider their concerns or a change in grade. 

This method works out well. It lessens any issues about the course grade once recorded with the Register’s Office.

ONLINE

My online trainees, also, had the opportunity to critique. They sent their critiques to my secretary, knowing I would not see their critiques until I submitted my grades to the Register’s Office. 

Also, I would submit to my online trainees their grades before submission to the Register’s Office. This gave each trainee an opportunity to express any concerns if they felt they needed to do so. 

I have found following this method has been very successful in giving my trainees ample time to discuss any aspect of their final grading. Thus, very few issues occur regarding the final grades.

Reflections

During the weeks on the ship and efforts in training these future captains enkindle in me a personal care for both my onboard trainee and my online trainees, even though I seldom meet with them in person. What is so very heartwarming is experiencing seeing the hard work many have put into this training. 

These experiences have been what have kept me enjoying being a captain.

I have seen and experienced the joy that has maintained my joy being a teacher, a captain over the academic lives of so many.

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