I apologize for cutting into class time, but I got some very helpful feedback from you. In particular, I will take these suggestions (re: your most common concerns) to heart when I plan our remaining classes:
1. Provide a more condensed/simpler agenda to indicate the plan for discussion classes
2. (Related) highlight key points
My bad. I tend to over-prepare for class, and the amount of material on the blog can be a bit daunting.
I present much of the material on the blog for your reference, outside of class, and I need to do a better job of clarifying what I intend to cover in class.
To address this concern, I will:
a) Put a short, clear list of goals for each class at the start of every blog post
b) Followed immediately by a short, clear list of what I consider the crucial takeaway points.
Hopefully this will make it easier for everyone to prepare for the lesson and understand what the key points are.
3. Adjust the pace of the class
4. (Related) slow down!
At the outset of the class, I acknowledged my tendency to speed through material as my greatest weakness. I'm working on it, but I still go too fast sometimes.
Here's how I plan to address this concern:
a) I'll make a point of slowing down when I get to items on the "short list" (see 1&2)
b) I need your help to recognize when I'm going too fast. So, this sounds silly, but... I'm going to give you guys a code word.
When I start talking like I've had twelve cups of coffee, please raise your hand and say, "Liz, Xanax."
Seriously! I won't be offended, and I'll know to slow down.
There is, however, only so much I can do to adjust the pace of the class (downward).
This is a concern Ami and I both share: there is a lot of material to cover. As a result, sometimes lectures and discussion have to be fast-paced. Also as a result, I simply can't cover everything students have questions about during discussion.
So, I know this is the 1000th time you've heard this, but please please please come see me during office hours if I can't address your specific questions/concerns in class!
5. More time on homework in discussion
6. Related more comments on homework
I can do more about #5 than #6.
Regarding #5: Admittedly, for the past couple of weeks we haven't focused on the homework. Last week we had test review, and today I introduced new material. However, that trend won't continue. I will make an effort to focus on the homework in discussion for the next few weeks.
In the meantime, make sure to check out the homework answers (posted on Canvas). And, for the 1001st time, come see me with questions!
Regarding #6: We grade homework for completeness, not accuracy of content. Given the volume of homework assignments, I can't leave comments on everyone's work. However, I am happy to give you more extensive feedback in person.
I did try to leave you comments on your exams. If you find these too brief, or if you're confused by what I wrote, please let me know.
I think those are the biggest concerns you guys raised today. If I missed something you'd like to see addressed, please send me an email, or come see me.
Thank you again for your input!
** Oh, and REMINDER: Check out the previous (updated) blog post for answers to the "mystery fallacy" questions.
Thanks for your examples!
No comments:
Post a Comment