Papers and tests

One of the hardest things about teaching is the evaluation process. Tests that are easily graded are the least effective in actually evaluating if the student has mastered the content. In other words, if a test has pure multiple choice questions, it is really easy to grade but doesn’t tell me if my student has understood the class content.

Because I’m always teaching for understanding, I have to design tests that are more like a conversation with the student. In other words, I have to make a test that is more difficult to grade. An essay test is more difficult to grade, but it tells me a lot about their understanding. I guess what I’m saying that in order to have a good evaluation of the student, I have to do a lot of work after the class by grading a ton of essay questions.

At the park

One of the best parts of being in Florida for the summer is getting to spend time with our family. Nathan is loving getting to know his grandparents. Today we went to the park with grandpa. It’s going to be hard for Nathan to leave in August.

swings with grandpa playing with grandpa at park

It’s that time of the year again

Mock Capitol buildingWe’re in the final stretch of planning for the next set of classes in Havana. We just got the visas approved today. The first professor leaves on Friday, and I go the following Saturday. I’m working hard on getting all the things ready for the trip, so please be praying for us as we finish up the planning for this. Also, the students are finishing up their “pre-class” work, so I know they are very busy reading and writing. Stay tuned for more info about the trip.