Discussion Based Assessment
Ace Your Next DBA with These 5 Tips from FLVS Alumni
By Elizabeth Jones on September 13th, 2023
Let’s be honest, the perks of online learning with Florida Virtual School (FLVS) are pretty great, from choosing courses you actually want to take to the extra time you get in your day to focus on hobbies. Even so, we need to address the elephant in the room. . . discussion-based assessments (DBAs).
We know DBAs can be a little nerve-wracking for FLVS students—but no need to worry. Our alumni have your back. Here are five tips to help you ace your next DBA from FLVS Class of 2023 alumni:
Continue reading7 Tips from FLVS Students for Taking Better Notes
By Florida Virtual School on January 14th, 2022
It feels like the first day of school was just yesterday, but here we are, starting the second half of the school year! With exams, graduation, and summer break just around the corner, it’s time to study smarter, not harder.
Continue reading5 Tips for Learning a Language Online
By Florida Virtual School on August 4th, 2021
Learning a new language online might seem like an intimidating task, but what if we told you, it is as easy as watching your favorite show? Or listening to new music? Our World Language teachers know exactly what it’s like to learn a new language—and have advice to turn the challenge of learning a new language into a way of connecting with the world around you.
Continue readingFLVS Discussion-Based Assessments (DBAs): Options and Alternatives
By Guest Blogger on March 31st, 2017
If you missed our quick-start video about discussion-based assessments (DBAs), don’t worry! In this post, we’re sharing a great recap that covers everything you need to know.
At FLVS, we want students to be successful and completely comfortable when learning online. This includes discussion-based assessments. Even though some students may get nervous or anxious, just remember that DBAs are simply a verbal conversation between you and your teacher.
DBAs are one of the ways we ensure academic integrity (and make sure that it’s actually you doing the work). This is why teachers need to hear directly from you! They will be referencing the work you have done and speaking to students and parents multiple times throughout the course, so there is a common thread of communication that helps teachers connect a face (or voice) to the same student they see in live lessons and through submitted work. DBAs are also there for teachers to help you! Continue reading
Would You Rather…the Dentist or a DBA?
By Guest Blogger on March 24th, 2017
Chances are that if you ask someone if they’d rather have dental work done or speak in front of an audience, that person will probably have to take a moment to think about it.
According to many studies, the idea of speaking in public or making a presentation ranks extremely high on the anxiety scale.
Along those lines, we’ve heard from many of our students that they are apprehensive when it comes to their discussion-based assessment, commonly known as a DBA. For those not familiar with the DBA, it is a verbal conversation between a student and teacher to discuss what he/she has learned in the modules.
If this is you, you can take some comfort in the simple fact you are not alone.
Have you ever watched someone talk in public and think, “Man, they are great—so relaxed and natural. I wish I could speak like that.” While it’s true that some have a natural gift for gab and their conversations seem effortless, it is quite possible that they had to learn to overcome their nervousness. Speaking professionally in a public setting, is a skill that must be developed and fine-tuned. And this takes time.
Here’s a secret… Continue reading