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Show page 26 lessons, Fail 2003 the way. Chase-Cantarini graduated from the University of Utah's Teaching Nursing Master's program. She explained that selecting and admitting students to the nursing program is a complex process. The committee looks at things in addition to academic achievement. The selection includes a student's written essay, references, the reviewer's impression of the student, the student's work experience, and community service and leadership skills. These qualifications do not always insure a student's success in the clinic or with a patient. Concepts that a student nurse learns in the lab may not always be graded with a letter grade but can definitely be taught and graded on a pass/fail scale. Chase-Cantarini acknowledges that as these students are evaluated on their clinical performances there is always room for growth or "improvement." Chase-Cantarini currently helps students prepare for success in the work force while continuing her education. Beyond pass/fail evaluations, there are other ways to grade a student's performance. Class attendance and participation can be part of the evaluation of a student's commitment to learning. Susan Olson, associate professor in Political Science and Associate Vice President for faculty, explained that it is easier to grade participation and involvement in class with more years of experience. Olson suggests that faculty members find a "system that works for them." When Olson grades papers she breaks down the grade into four components, how they incorporate their theoretical readings, the accuracy of their topic material, quality of research and citation of sources, as well as organization, grammatical correctness and readability of the paper. This type of grading system allows students to be evaluated according to various scholastic strengths and not by writing skills alone. In some disciplines there is always a correct answer such as a chemistry equation or calculus formula. In a chemistry class using a correct equation will give the needed reaction and products tested for. Likewise in a mathematics class, calculating the correct formula gives the desired answer. Yet the formula for success for a student teacher in the classroom or a nursing student at a patient's bedside is not as easily obtained. Hands-on experiences can't be graded, but certainly can be evaluated and proper steps can be taken to help the student succeed in "real-world" settings. With the help of mentors and support from the staff of the University of Utah our community will benefit from University-trained teachers and nurses. Mark Ely, chair of Utah's music education program, works with saxaphone player Marco Blackmore. |