participant pedagogy - third update

be felled by disease running rampant through the college, along with no doubt the dreaded 8AM start time, and the result, a spirited debate ensued on our facebook group page about whether or not a higher percentage of the final grade should derive from participation in class discussion, which is intense for the first six weeks and/or if writing should be required to "make up" for missed discussions.

One student opined that " people who don't read won't read unless they have to write for it"

another student concurred pointing out that As college is not exam based like high school ... it seems conducive to learning

However to some students, the writing smacked too much of high school Responsibility should be students.

The proposal on the table is to take 5% from each of the midterm and final and move them to bring participation up to 20%.  Because of spotty attendance, I created a quick poll on Facebook.  I'll update the returns. 

In terms of students leading the discussion, so far things are going fairly well.  The book is complex and requires a thorough knowledge of both history and philosophy.  I've taken to not re-reading before class so as to avoid the temptation to step in.  However yesterday I ended up delivering an extemporaneous 15 minute spiel on the origins of the public/private split.


hmmm already a digital device problem, at least two students using their smart phones as primary interface and isn't/can't find the "vote" button on FB.