Bob Lucas prepost, essay, otherMethod=, Written and Practical tests Students that did well on written tests, did not mean they would do well on the practical test(s) More hands on training, live work. more live work, hands on first time I have taught this class.

Kathy Decristino report

Randal W. Boepple prepost, At the end of the class the students know the objectives stipulated at least to a 70% or better ratting. Increase the auto-visual content of the class. Handouts and study guides for each chapter. Pass rates for each class has increased.

Dave Nolan prepost, In August of 2002 the Gunsmithing Department started to administer a new pre-test/post-test because we believed the scores from the previous test were not an accurate view of our students. The old pre-test scores were very similar but post-test scores were actually going down. Imagine after 2 years of study they seemed to be getting less knowledgeable about the trade. We felt there was no incentive for them to do well on the test so they didn't. So we made passing the test a requirement to completing the program. By make a .5 credit hour Comprehensive skills examination class that they had to pass to graduate it seems to have given some need to do well on it. We made the class multi faceted. 1. Students are taken to the library and given a short yet complete lecture on building a professional resume and given an assignment of completing one for themselves including a professional cover letter to a prospective employer to be completed by mid-term of that semester. 2. Students are given the written pre/post test during finals week. 3. Students are given a hands on test of general gunsmithing skills taught during the program. All grades for the three parts are tallied and a grade is given for the course. None at this time. This new system seems to be very successful and has only undergone minor changes since we started it. The first semester we gave the written test and lab test on the same day and it seemed a little overwhelming to the students. Though the scores were ok since then we have given the written post test one day and allowed them to see the next day's project for the hands on test. This has given them one night to review their notes and think a bout the order in which they wanted to complete their assigned projects. We as a department and as students seem to be very happy with the procedure and results.

Gipson interview, capstone, essay, questionairre, otherMethod=, day to day student contact Some students require more structure. Some course requirements may not be clearly stated. Students not taking proper notes. Revise syllibi to more clearly state course requirements. Clearly define project due dates. Revise class handouts to include space for student notes. Require notes to be turned in for grade in some courses. Course handouts are effective. Results of course project revisions have been positive. Continue to encourage student parcitipation in class discussion and demonstration. Overall class level changes in scheduling and projects have shown to improve student skill levels through a more sequential learning method.