Can we create a course that ensures a student is proficient in all concept groups and not just in some? Where everyone who passes is at a B+ level of proficiency (or better)? In this episode, host Kevin Patton describes his experiment with what he calls proficiency grading. And we have new and appropriately controversial selection for The A&P Professor Book Club: The One World School House by Salman Khan.
00:00 | Introduction
00:56 | Book Club: The One World School House
13:30 | Sponsored by AAA
14:20 | Does Averaging Grades Measure Proficiency?
21:35| Sponsored by HAPI
22:20 | Importance of Foundation Concepts
29:46| Sponsored by HAPS
30:26 | Example of Proficiency Testing
38:47 | Staying Connected
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It is the connections among concepts—or the lack of connections—that separate the students who memorize a formula for an exam only to forget it the next month and the students who internalize the concepts and are able to apply them when they need them a decade later. (Salmon Khan)
Book Club: The One World School House
12.5 minutes
A new entry in The A&P Professor Book Club, this book by Salman Khan, developer of Khan Academy, has been very influential for Kevin. Listen to some impressions of The One World School House: Education Reimagined in this segment, then read additional notes in The A&P Professor Book Club review.
★ Book Club for Anatomy & Physiology Professors
★ The One World School House book club description: my-ap.us/bookclub41
★ Bookstore description: geni.us/IgLjaXg
Sponsored by AAA
0.5 minutes
A searchable transcript for this episode, as well as the captioned audiogram of this episode, are sponsored by the American Association for Anatomy (AAA) at anatomy.org.
Don't forget—HAPS members get a deep discount on AAA membership!
Does Averaging Grades Measure Proficiency?
7 minutes
When we average our assignments and tests, or total their points, to arrive at a course grade, are we potentially glossing over deficits in learning? In this segment explores the idea that students may be incompetent in one or more groups of concepts and still get a B in our course. Might it be better to require a minimum score on all tests?
★ Quizzed About Tests | FAQs About Patton Test Strategies | TAPP 99
★ More Quizzing About Kevin’s Wacky Testing Scheme | Book Club | TAPP 100
★ Even MORE Test Answers | Normal Body Temperature? | TAPP 101
★ Online Testing Effectiveness Data | Turning My Gray Hair Brown | TAPP 102
Sponsored by HAPI Online Graduate Program
0.5 minute
The Master of Science in Human Anatomy & Physiology Instruction—the MS-HAPI—is a graduate program for A&P teachers, especially for those who already have a graduate/professional degree. A combination of science courses (enough to qualify you to teach at the college level) and courses in contemporary instructional practice, this program helps you be your best in both on-campus and remote teaching. Kevin Patton is a faculty member in this program at Northeast College of Health Sciences. Check it out!
Importance of Foundational Concepts
7.5 minutes
If a student performs under par on early course modules that require understanding foundational concepts, how can they be expected to succeed in later modules that require that foundational knowledge? Maybe that's not the best approach.
Sponsored by HAPS
0.5 minute
The Human Anatomy & Physiology Society (HAPS) is a sponsor of this podcast. You can help appreciate their support by clicking the link below and checking out the many resources and benefits found there. Watch for virtual town hall meetings and upcoming regional meetings!
Example of Proficiency Grading
8.5 minutes
Here, Kevin shares some experience from his Pre-A&P course—which uses proficiency grading. Each student must pass a module test with a B+ or better (85% score) before the next module is unlocked, eventually unlocking the final exam. All topics in the course must have a B+ score before students can pass this pass/fail course.
NOTE: The terms proficiency grading and mastery grading and related terms can each mean different things in different contexts. For the purpose of this episode, grading for proficiency means grading in a way that ensures that all essential objectives of a course are met at an acceptable level to pass that course. In other words, it's not possible to be deficient in any of the essential learning outcomes and still pass the course.
★ Success Supplements (recorded video seminar that discusses how Kevin's Pre-A&P course was developed)
★ Pre-A&P Foundations in Science (Kevin's course syllabus) lionden.com/fis.htm
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★ Transcript available in the transcript box: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-103.html
★ Need help accessing resources locked behind a paywall? Check out this advice from Episode 32 to get what you need! my-ap.us/paywall
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Sponsors
★ Transcript and captions for this episode are supported by the American Association for Anatomy | anatomy.org
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★ Distribution of this episode is supported by the Northeast College of Health Sciences online graduate program in Human Anatomy & Physiology Instruction (HAPI) | northeast.edu/hapi
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