From DSC:
I’ve been reflecting upon the assessment of student learning the last few days; and, in my research, I’ve seen some items that seem to point to doing things for the benefit of those administering these items. For example, I saw that one of the qualities of a good assessment is that it needs to be “easy to administer, score, and interpret”.

I understand this need to manage learning/learners/assessment, but I wonder…are we doing things for our needs and purposes of educating people?  (Other examples include: Using semesters or quarters |  50 – 90 minute class periods | This class is only available on… | We offer that course only in the… | etc.)

Could we do things any differently?Are there ways to enable student learning to be fuller? Freer? More spontaneous? At their own pace?

A related reflection here:
Recently, due to so many things being on my plate, I fell behind in a class.  As 2, 3, and then 4 days passed, I still hadn’t been able to get back to several of the assignments that I needed to get done. It weighed heavily on my mind…and it generated some anxiety within me. Then, I reflected on what it must feel like for students who don’t learn as fast or who need more time to get something — but, due to the way the system works — they don’t have the time or the liberty to take things at their own pace.

(No surprise to anyone reading this blog) Over time, this type of thing can lead to not only anxiety within learners, but can lead to depression and being “bumbed out” on education and learning in general. “This school thing…it’s not for me.” “I can’t keep up.” The belief that “I’m no good at this school thing!” — can lead to a serious waste of talents and abilities.

It is my hope that as we move through the next 10-20 years, education can be done in such a way that:

  • Enables more control of the pacing of the learning to be turned over to the students
  • Allows students to select from the media that works best for them
  • Helps students identify their true passions — STEM-related or not — and then use those passions to drive learning in other areas