In a perfect world......Academically speaking

There wouldn't be any confusion
All students would be straight "A" students.
The world of academics would not be subject to interpretation.

Unfortunately the world we live in is not perfect, wonderful maybe, but not perfect. The biggest problem I had with the rubrics chapter this week is so obvious I can't get past it. Maybe it's a little too obvious. What if the person creating the rubric does not have posses the comprehension level a more experienced rubric instructor has? Does that mean the process is flawed from the start? Maybe not, but it certainly can't help facilitate the process. I fully understand all of the characteristics the text suggests that come along with constructing a PROPER rubric. The second most glaring observance I have noticed the text has not mentioned is the proper time to construct a rubric. Many of you know I am not a "teacher" by profession, but I am under the assumption a rubric is created before an assignment is constructed. I think this is such a major factor that is being completely overlooked. Maybe it's just me??
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I thought the Adult Learning book had quite a tease this week that never was elaborated on. On page 16, the text talks about ways to reverse a decline in intelligence with age. Wow, that's great. How can I do that? I'm sure the process is long and drawn out, but can't it withstand being mentioned? Especially if it works?

The last thing I really took away from chapter two was the correct environment in which people choose to partake in learning. The example with the grocery store pricing was amazing. I guess it really proves people do learn/perform better in a less strenuous environment.

Lastly, I can't help but refer to the idea promotions and work performances could be decided by an IQ or some sort of standardized test. This has to be a joke, right? Could you imagine going for your annual performance review and all your boss does is read the results of a test you took? All of the hard work you have accomplished over the past year is being measure by a four hour test? Although, if this was the process in my Division, I can tell you there would be some people without a job. All kidding aside now, a years worth of accomplishments are just that and should never be dictated by some four hour test. Could you imagine someone cheating on a standardized test just to get a raise? Funnier things have happened.

***Editors note: my blog on seminar reflection will be posted Tuesday afternoon.