question on "performance assessment tasks" within extensive coursework

[msa9179]

So, I feel a little funny asking this, as I am already four classes into WGU. But, everything I have done so far has been objective assessment tests. I am taking my first Performance Assessment class (community health), and I wanted to verify if I understand how this works. There is a ton of "busy work" involving reading, taking pre-tests and post-tests, doing assignments and case studies, assembling concept maps, etc. Then, scattered among all of this are the 4 TaskStream performance assessments (papers/essays to be written).

So, do I understand correctly that the ONLY part of the class that is viewed or graded by the school is these four papers/essays that are submitted through task stream? I do not wish to take away from the rest of the reading/assignments, as I realize they are a valuable part of the learning experience. But, does any of the rest of that even come up at any point when it comes to completing and passing the class? Basically, if you do not complete every detail, every pre and post-test, etc, does that come back up? Wow, I am making myself sound lazy and I look like I am trying to cut corners or something. I am not, but, you know what I mean. How important is it to hit every detail in the coursework vs simply working through it while focusing heavier efforts on the papers/essays?

God, I hope this all makes sense. not trying to cheat or cut corners or anything. just trying to understand.

thanks

[skoolrn, BSN, MSN, RN]

Taskstream assessments are the only one's you will submit for grading. I have never made a "concept map", which WGU seems to think are helpful but I think it's a waste of MY time. Look at the objectives in the COS and that will tell you exactly what you need to learn. Also, look at the rubric for each taskstream task. Follow it exactly or you will get it back for revision. The joy of competency based education is that you dont spend time on what you already know. (I have already finished Community and Pop Health and the Practicum). Do you know how to find the rubric for each task??

[msa9179]

thank you so much skookrn. That all makes perfect sense. yes, I do know how to find the rubrics. I just didn't want to look/feel dumb if I completed all of the papers and stuff to then find out that I can't "finish" the class because I didn't do some concept map way back in chapter 1. thanks again!

[klone, MSN, RN]

Many students find that if they have a knowledge base in the subject matter, then once they start a class, they go immediately into Taskstream and just work on the tasks. Some students may not ever even open up the COS once and do any of the other stuff. THat's how people get through the classes so quickly.

Generally speaking, the tasks in Taskstream are the ONLY things you have to do for the program (with a few exceptions).