I echo Michael on this. I especially like the way this process can improve questions on a newly written TBL, but they have to write a clearly improved question to get  credit. I also do this via email. I don’t like wasting class time on semantic details. The evidence that this works, is that semantic issues disappear after the TBL as been used several times.

   Ed McKee

From: Team-Based Learning [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Sweet, Michael S
Sent: Wednesday, November 03, 2010 1:21 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Question about the appeals process for RATs

I recommend that if they are building a case on wording, they have to submit the question re-written so that it tests the same knowledge but is clearer.  If they do it convincingly, then spiffy—you have a better question to use next time.  If they just dumb-down the question, then you have to explain to them what their question leaves out.

Regardless, I recommend appeals ALWAYS be handled after the class:  often folks do it over e-mail.  Face to face discussion about appeals right after the RAP leads to too much emotion-laden bickering.

-M

From: Team-Based Learning [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jacobson, Trudi E
Sent: Wednesday, November 03, 2010 12:14 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Question about the appeals process for RATs

I wonder if I can get the benefit of your advice about appeals.  I don’t have them very often, but did today. The team’s reason for appealing had no merit (and was based on confusing wording, rather than factual error, so there is no evidence the students went back to the readings to follow up). My inclination in a case like this is not to award any points just for appealing, but I do know that others think a bit of credit is due for undertaking the appeal.  I would be most interested in knowing how others think.  Is there a benefit to awarding a few points?

Thank you!

Trudi

Trudi E. Jacobson
Head of User Education Programs
University Libraries
University at Albany, SUNY
1400 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12222
Phone 518/442-3581
Fax 518/442-3088
E-mail [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Editor of Public Services Quarterly