Todd's Answer:

In Part C I gave two answers because I was not quite sure if I understood the question.  I am not positive if the "traditional" method of teaching qualified as an adequate answer for the given question. 

1. Explain in 25 words or so why we call some letters of recommendation "dog" letters.

   They are called "dog" letters because they are general in nature and generic in content.  Also, they tend to not give specific details just vague descriptions of qualities.

2. Explain in 25 words or so whether grades are connected to external or internal measures of learning.

   Grades are connected to both.  External measures are rewards (high gpa, dean's list), and pressure to attain good grades.  Internal measures are gaining knowledge through learning.

3. Explain in 25 words or so why we believe that authentication of learning must be interdependent and interactive. By being both, it brings out other people's view points.  Also, by interacting it will allows for groups to be more involved in the learning process.

   How could it be interdependent without being interactive?

   1. The internet provides a current way to interact without being face to face.  Chat rooms, message boards, and email provide interaction without the traditional classroom setting.

   2. Students attending class, taking notes, reading chapters, taking tests, and reviewing themselves is the current method of learning independently. 

Jeanne's Response:

On interdependence and interaction: Interdependence is a Habermasian term that recognizes the extent to which each citizen is legitimately included in the discourse that leads to the rules of law that govern those citizens. It means that no system should function independently of input from those it governs and controls. To take part in tasks which are ordained and controlled by the system or the institutional authority is to interact, but not necessarily to be interdependent. For interdependency, the system has to listen in good faith to each student's validity claims. The difference is ultimately one of empowerment, with interdependence a form of empowerment.

There is no reason that we cannot have interdependence and interaction at the same time. They are not mutually exclusive. But they are also not inclusive of one another.

jeanne