Classroom Participation

Class Routine

For each regular class period, the classroom activity will follow the same basic format as outlined below.

4:00PM –  Quiz (5 min)
4:05PM –  Lecture (20 min)
4:25PM –  Group Discussion (30 min)
4:55PM –  Open Discussion (10 min)
5:05PM –  Group Meeting (10 min)
5:15PM –  Reading (5 min)

The class is divided into two sections. During the first section, the instructor administers a quiz and presents a lecture on a topic related to the course content. During the second section of the class period, the students will lead the discussion. In order to facilitate discussion among the group, everyone will rotate desks so one half of the class faces the other half at this point. Students are assigned to one of four groups. During each class period, each group will have a different responsibility. Three of the groups will be assigned to give a seven minute presentation. The fourth group will in charge of leading the discussion, taking notes, announcing upcoming assignments, and performing a reading of the text for the class period. The groups giving seven minute presenations will be given a prompt sheet explaining their responsibilities for the presentation before each assignment. All groups are expected to email the notes and preparations they have made before the class period their work pertains to.

After the Instructor finishes the lecture, the group in charge of administration for the day will instruct the students to rotate their desks, and will begin the Group Discussion. The Discussion Leader will invite the other groups to present their work and will lead a discussion that seeks to include everyone's questions and answers. After thirty minutes, the Discussion Leader will open up the floor to any questions or comments the students may have regarding any of the texts in the course. This time should expecially be used to discuss how the materials relates to the course topic and how students can prepare for the exams.

Next, the Discussion Leader will turn the time over to group small meetings for ten minutes, during which time the groups should discuss amongst themselves how they will coordinate their upcoming group assignments.

Finally, the Discussion Leader will call everyone's attention back together, instructing everyone to return their seats to normal. The class will end with a member of the administrative group reading aloud, for three to five minutes, a selection from the assigned readings for the day. After the reading, the reader will say 'thank you' and class will automatically be dismissed.

Group Participation

Participation is an important part of life. This course is designed so that everyone can participate in a way that the effort that they put forth yields an equal or greater return. To facilitate this, each class period, students are given specific responsibilities regarding what they are expected to contribute to the class activity.  Students will participate with the overall class as a member of a smaller group. I will state from the outset, students will only be graded based on their individual performance. Students will not receive a group grade. Each day, the student's group will be in charge of a presentation or class administration.

Figure out which group you are part of by checking on Blackboard.

Group Work: Class Administration
Group Work: Presentation