Rhonda Smedstad

Discussion Comment

I give students a 5-point quiz based on material covered on the previous day or assigned reading at the beginning of each class. This serves to: 1. evaluate understanding to date 2. keep students up-to-date on reading assignments 3. reinforce learning for summative evaluation 4. discourage tardiness!

Rhonda Smedstad

Discussion Comment

Open-ended questions

I sometimes pose questions and require that all students take a stance on the answer, physically moving to one side of the room or the other. Members from each side try to persuade the opposite side to join them, resulting in lively debate and sometimes a consensus. Even usually quiet students often become bolder, taking confidence from knowing others share their opinions.

Rhonda Smedstad

Discussion Comment

bonus credit

I don't give extra credit assignments, but occasionally when a student hands in a phenomenal project I'll add a few points beyond the maximum worth of the assignment. I think exemplary work should be acknowledged, and students are always pleasantly surprised at the acknowledgement of their hard work. They usually try to continue living up to the higher levels they've set for themselves.

Rhonda Smedstad

Discussion Comment

Bonus points vs. extra credit

I'm wondering whether bonus points and extra credit are the same thing. Our school recently banned extra credit. I have occasionally added a higher level thinking question to my exams, for which I gave bonus points for correct responses. I considered these to be good indicators of transference of learning, but now I wonder whether I can still use them.

Rhonda Smedstad

Discussion Comment

Questioning Introductory Steps

I'm wondering how important the order of the "steps" of first-day considerations are. I always cover all of the points you've listed in a natural flow, but not necessarily in the sequence you specify. I'm thinking that the order must be somehow vital, since we were tested on it. Any insight for me?

Rhonda Smedstad

Discussion Comment

Tweaking the Syllabus

I find it helpful (and necessary) to review and "tweak" my syllabus addendum each term as I get to know the habits of students. This serves to clarify concerns before they occur, both on my part and on the part of the student.