CORY RUBIN
<Contributor>
My Dean for a Day idea is focused on improving the student learning experience. As many students can probably attest, many times after receiving a grade it is unclear as to how the mark was actually determined. My proposal is focused on improving the feedback process that currently exists when exams, essays and assignments are returned.
I believe that it would be beneficial to have an exam return week, much like at other law schools such as Windsor. This would entail a full week in which students can come in and review their exams at their convenience. In my experience, it has not always been convenient meeting with professors as a result of both of our busy schedules. At times, I have had to meet with professors outside of the school setting and I believe that this acts as a deterrent for many students to go in and review their exam. By offering students a full week to see their exams it creates an opportunity that many students would otherwise not have.
To ensure that this system is truly convenient, what would be required is quick access to every exam. Students would be required to come to a specific room with their exam number. They would provide an individual with their exam number and their courses. The person would then sort through the appropriate courses and exams and then provide the student with their exams. The students can then go to a desk and review their exam and make any notes they deem appropriate. Obviously, desk space would be limited, but due to classes it would be unlikely that everyone would come at once. Additionally, a full week allows every student ample opportunity to wait and review their exams.
As the students review their exams, they should also be provided with a general outline of what the professor was looking for in an answer. This will allow the students an opportunity to review their answers before deciding whether they should arrange a meeting with their professor. This will allow students time to actually process what they did wrong. At the same time, if a student believes an error has been made, it will provide them with an opportunity to go home and formulate a response to their teacher when it comes time to meet. This would also ensure that the students and teachers’ time is well spent by ensuring the meetings have merit.
As for feedback, as it relates to exams, assignments, and essays, there have been times in which I received very little, if any, comments when my work was returned. I believe that professors should be required to provide students with detailed feedback wherein students can understand their mark, and, more importantly, they can understand where to improve. As an example, where possible, it would be preferable if essays and assignments were returned with a marking rubric that has comments relating to the specific work.
These ideas, although not radical, would greatly improve the academic experience at Osgoode.