CSR – PERSONAL ASSESSMENT VS.DEFAULT PLAN

This year the students who enrolled in the CSR course had the option of choosing a default or a self defined personal assessment plan (PAP). These plans were similar as both had a mandatory mid term test and a presentation component for each individual. This is where the similarities end as the balance of the requirements are different for everyone unless the default was chosen. As everyone learns at a different speed or level it was more engaging and enjoyable knowing the workload was what we choose and not mandated to us. To me this was more beneficial as I could choose to either work in a group or on an individual setting. I felt this self defined learning option gave me more control over my time and the marks I would receive for this course. There were many varied options that one could choose from for the PAP. They ranged from case studies, journals, blogs, book reports, personal codes of conduct, and basically any other form of learning that had a direct correlation to the fundamentals of CSR. You could choose parts of one segment (case studies) and also choose the marks available for each of the projects you decided to do. The PAP was then handed into Les with our own personal plan, which included the marking scheme, what we were to complete and deadlines that we were to met. This was a form of a learning contract that we put in place with our professor. I chose to complete the book report, attendance option, and the personal code of conduct for my PAP. As I would be attending all classes I felt the attendance mark would be an easy reward for being where I was supposed to be. The book report was chosen as it was a book that would assist me in writing my code of conduct. Although these were bigger projects, I was able to work on them at regular intervals throughout the semester. These were the only projects I needed to focus on in this class. This took away the pressure of weekly deadlines with case reports, blogs etc. and allowed me to concentrate on my work. I would not be rushed with short deadlines and time restraints. I feel that completing the personal code of conduct was the most meaningful to me. As a second career student this option has allowed me to look back at the past and to really understand changes that I may need to make going forward. It is a personal challenge for me. The course was well laid out and explained many times throughout the semester. Les was always asking everyone if they had questions or had concerns about their projects. He was always available for those who needed guidance and assistance. The way Les set this course up I feel mirrored the working world, were your manager may give you a project to work on with a deadline. The manager will be expecting you to come up with ways to get the project completed. The manager will also require regular updates to ensure you are on track. The role Les was playing was that of my manager. I would recommend this course to others (faculty/students) as this teaching style will bring out the best in those who are taking the course. It will stimulate ones thinking to expand their comfort zones, think outside the box, and push one to do their best on the projects they have chosen. The PAP does create much more work for the professors from a marking perspective as there are a number of different projects being submitted with the same or different deadlines, however the caliber of the work submitted will be much higher, as this is the student’s personal work they have chosen to do. Those who are committed to the work chosen as per their contract with Les will do well; those who are not committed should not take this course. Les is passionate about his teachings as well as students challenging themselves to do their best. You get out of it what you put into it!!! TFTD – “Thrown dirt is ground lost” CONGRATS LES ON ANOTHER GREAT SEMESTER!!! Bob Mountenay

CSR setup

As you all know we were given the option to either do the default lesson plan or a custom learning plan. This was a great idea I think. Depending on your personality we all learn differently. The option of picking your own course really makes you want to learn. You can't sit there and complain that you don't want to do it because it was your choice. It makes the course more interactive and makes it personal. It also includes all the basics that you must do. You must write the first test. You have to do a class presentation and you had to decide on an assessment plan

I thought the various options presented were great. We had a wide variety of choices. From book reports to watching videos to creative endeavors. Case studies and anything else you could think of as long as it was teacher approved. I think they were all viable options because you get decide how you learn.

I decided to do the case studies, attendance, both tests, 2 blogs, and a presentation. I did very well with this breakdown. It got rid of my usual stress associated with group work. I also got to do my class presentation on something I was interested in making a big difference in the amount of effort I put forward.

All in all I think what Les did is a great idea. I think that other courses should try this type of assessment. Although I am sure it is a lot of extra work for the instructors the quality of work you will get form your students will raise. As well if they don't do their plans they have no one to blame but themselves.

Thanks Les for another great semester

James Gimblett

Good Businesses? Really?

In an effort to distract myself from the unbelievable amount of horrible corporations and the people who run them, I Googled good businesses. I came across hope. I came across people who are at least attempting to treat other people fairly and who at least care.

http://www.canadastop100.com/national/
^ Canada’s Top 100 employers

This competition provides a little transparency into the companies and allows everyone to see how and why they made the list. Every company has great benefits and more applications than they will ever need. They treat their employees with respect and dignity, just how we should be treated. Interestingly enough Monsanto Canada made the list.

There is also a list of ethical companies. The World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere. Again there are 100 who made the list this year, 26 of them are new and 24 have been dropped from last year’s list. Not one Canadian company made it but Nike Inc. did.

http://ethisphere.com/wme2010/
^ Ethical Companies

If we were to dive into these companies would any make the list? Is there really a definition for Business Ethics? If there is I can’t think of a company that actually follows it, can you? More importantly, in your opinion, do you think we should give companies like Nike a second chance? I don’t, a tiger can’t change their stripes.

Emilie Leonard