The Learning Record Online (LRO) is a portfolio-based assessment tool that asks students to argue for a grade based upon criteria set by the instructor. Students gather, analyze, and present their work in terms of the goals of the course and their development as a learner.
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding the LRO. You can also check out the LRO discussion forum for answers to questions not listed here.
Grades in this class are based on the evidence and arguments presented in the LRO. I can only consider evidence that you've included in the LRO and how you've presented that evidence when deciding whether or not your LRO evaluation is accurate. If you've presented strong evidence, analyzed that evidence in terms of the dimensions of learning and course strands, and evaluated that work in terms of the grade criteria, you should be successful
Yes, there are specific due dates. See the course calendar for these dates.
Grades are determined by how well you analyze your work in terms of course strands and dimensions of learning and whether you provide ample evidence that your work matches with the appropriate grade criteria. I am not looking for "conversion stories" in which students explain how this class "changed [their] whole life." I am looking for an argument that shows evidence of learning and development in terms of the dimensions of learning and the course strands.
Letter grades are only discussed during the midterm and final LRO. However, I will comment on work throughout the semester.
Yes. Go to the My LRO screen and click on the content that you'd like to edit. Then click the "edit" tab. Keep in mind that all LRO materials are considered final as of the due date listed in the course calendar.
This is definitely encouraged. Some of your evidence will be used in both of your LROs. To do this, you do NOT need to submit the work sample or observation again. You just need to change the "LRO Version" field from "Midterm" to "Final."
No. You only complete Part A once.
All grading systems are "subjective" in some sense. The LRO allows for a discussion between teacher and student - a discussion about the evaluation process. All grade criteria are listed ahead of time. This allows for everyone to work from the same list - no surprises.
No. The grade you earn on your Final LRO will be your grade for this class. Think of the midterm LRO as a first draft of your LRO - it's an opportunity to understand how the process works so that you are ready for the final LRO.
Final LROs will be very different from midterm LROs. Hopefully, you will have learned more and will have more to talk about. In addition, you'll have much more evidence to draw upon during the final LRO.
Yes. Parts B and C are essentially papers about your own learning. These essays/papers are an analysis of your work in terms of the course strands and the dimensions of learning and an evaluation of your work in terms of the grade criteria.
The LRO is used in a number of Rhetoric and Writing classes along with classes in other departments and other universities. The system allows students to reflect on their learning processes and to think about the strategies they employ as they move through a course. The system is definitely different than most other evaluation systems, but there is a "method to the madness." You are always welcome to ask questions about the Learning Record as long as you recognize that this is the system that we'll be using throughout the semester.
We will discuss the LRO in class, but most of the work will be completed outside of class. If time permits, we will have an in-class LRO workshop.