California State University, Dominguez Hills
University of Wisconsin, Parkside
Latest update: December 18, 1999
Faculty on the Site.

0110 0125 0195 0274 0365 0502 0566 0592 0713 0758

These short statements of my perception of your learning are what grew from my review of all the records and our experiences in class. In a cooperative learning world, in which our objective is to help each other gain critical insights, what should matter, instead of "grades" is such a report. Learning that I can tell you I have seen, either directly or through some of your work, and that you can confirm. That is learning accountability.

As we gain skill at this, a paragraph of recommendation should be your goal for the end of each course, each semester. If you were to realize that this is how I will end the course, and you were to want the best possible recommendation of your learning, we could interactively check our respective records all semester, and the recommendations could be detailed and helpful to all who want to know about your learning.

Visit Letters of Recommendation for clues on how to do this.

0110

• Reported grade: A

• Observations and Comments: Solid consistency over two semesters. I always know where you are in relation to my agenda as well as yours. Your strengths are in creative writing, and I am glad that the work of the class helped inspire you to do more of that. We have both been very busy this semester, which has precluded a chance to sit down and talk about the concepts of the course. There was too much new to convey in the agencies class. I have a better sense of your understanding in the other class, because it was a continuation of our work the previous semester. Let's make time one day soon to talk.

0125

• Reported grade:

• Observations and Comments: I don't have a face to go with the name. This is one of the disadvantages of large classes. But it can be overcome. Many of you came to find me in the halls, after class, in the cafeteria. That helps me understand where this learning fit into your life.

0195

• Reported grade:

• Observations and Comments: Thank you for your understanding of my need to repeat names so many times to capture them. Your graciousness helped me to connect your face and name early in the semester. You are attentive and consistently present and alert in class. I appreciated that.

  You, like many other students, have too much faith in my ability to know what is going on in your head. I do have your written work to help with that, but I would like to see you begin to give little clues as to what you are learning lots more frequently.

0274

• Reported grade:

• Observations and Comments: I'm pretty sure I have a face to go with this name, but I need to see you more often. You are very quiet in class, and so we need to spend at least a little time with you're bringing me up to date on your learning.

0365

• Reported grade:

• Observations and Comments: Well, you scooted out of my reach for most of the semester. Then suddenly in the last few weeks you spoke up in class, you shared the learning from your own experiences. That was good. I hope that in the future you will do more of that, much sooner in the course.

0502

• Reported grade:

• Observations and Comments: I know your work schedule makes it hard, and I suspect you think of school as just one more thing you have to get out of the way. But that does a dis-service to your education. The few moments I manage to catch with you, you are usually rushing off to work. I would like to know you better. I suspect you have much to contribute to our discussions, and I would like to see you do so.

  Just got your message. I am delighted. Two of you sharing knowledge on the course concepts, and sending via another classmate's computer. Yes! I kind of suspected you knew a lot and just hadn't found a way to share it. So glad to see this happening.

0566

• Reported grade:

• Observations and Comments: You have done a good job of letting me see your learning consistently over the semester. I especially liked that when I jumped ahead in the text and overlapped with a section you were planning to write on, that you let me know, took the time to pursue your questions on that section. I know that you weren't sure what to do about that, that you had been planning to show your ability to move ahead on your own. It helped a lot that you talked it over, even briefly, with me.

0592

• Reported grade: I

• Observations and Comments: Your interest and excitement about learning are obvious. It is always a pleasure to teach someone so eager to learn. You are coming from a place of long ago, and need to continue as you have already begun, sharing your learning in face-to-face groups of friends. I am very impressed that, given a tough semester and illness, you effectively connected with face-to-face groups to stay consistently in touch.

  I should like to work with you on ways to adapt your learning goals to those of a class like this. You need to let go of the traditional term paper and focus more on sharing ideas, much as you have done in your group.

0713

• Reported grade:

• Observations and Comments: I'm glad you shared so much of your work in a face-to-face group. And I was particularly impressed that two of you recognized the integrity of the group when only two of you were available. Groups should be fluid, since our city lives are so hectic.

  I was grateful that you hit upon the idea of sending in some of your poetry. Linking something so personal to your learning is a good way of making it stick. I wish I had begun to cluck and fuss about knowing faces sooner, because once you realized its importance, you made a sincere effort to help with that.

  I was also impressed with the promptness with which you reached one another in response to my requests. That made me feel really in touch with you.

  Just got your message. I am delighted. Two of you sharing knowledge on the course concepts, and sending via another classmate's computer. That's the best way to learn - to share with others. So glad to see this happening.

  Your efforts to do well have been impressive. I think if you continue to work at staying consistently in touch with your class and your teacher, your grades will improve. I was impressed by your work towards the end of the semester. I wish I had managed to develop all these records sooner. I think this might have been just the kind of incentive you needed to do some course correction in your studying habits. I was also impressed by your recognition that I think all students should be encouraged to try to do A work. I believe that you can get there. You need to work hand in hand with your teacher for the whole semester.

0758

• Reported grade: F

• Observations and Comments: Have no records for you. This could be an error in my reading of my e-mails, so I am checking. I seem to recall your coming by to speak to me once, but that was the sum of our contact. Please note how important it is for me to know you, so that I can relate to your learning.