When you say, “I don’t believe in experts,” I wonder what that might mean. If it means that you don’t think there are individuals that are much more qualified than others in specific fields, then I would have to disagree. Surely someone who has studied Ancient Greek all their life is an expert of sorts, especially when compared to someone who has never studied Ancient Greek. To deny this is simply deny that word, “expert,” has any meaning.
Author: Darren Jackson
Comment on Traditional vs. Authentic Assessment by Darren Jackson
I agree with you that putting authentic assessment practices into place is exceedingly difficult in our current situation. Sadly, I think it will only become more difficult with Trump and his clowns at the helm. I’m certain that “making America great again” will entail a more exclusive focus on quantitative assessment. As Heidegger liked to say, “Only a God can save us now.”
Comment on A Response to Alfie Kohn by Darren Jackson
Your idea of students assessing themselves interests me. In humanities classes, it’s particularly difficult to feel like an objective administration of grades is possible, especially if student’s grades are based on papers. Ultimately, what’s most important is how students feel about their own work.
Comment on Just Follow the Rules by Darren Jackson
Dayla, I fully agree with your suggestion. One of the problems with grading is that the distribution requirements are given by the institution. In that sense, Virginia Tech is no different. There is very little an instructor can do within the confines of such a system.
