When I arrived at the classroom today, the same students who are always there early were waiting. They were quiet (it's Monday, so who wouldn't be). I got out what I needed for class and answered a few questions that came up right before the hour. At noon, I only had ten students out of my seventeen. A few trickled in as I talked and a few showed up much later....I don't know if I can take all of them showing up at such different times.
I started the class by asking them about their weekends. They seemed to like that. I always mean to do that, but usually forget because I want to get right into plans because we usually have a lot to do. I definitely want to keep asking them about life and give them a chance to let me know how they are.
I then gave them a little update on what happened with the email that I had showed them last week. They thought it was interesting and I could tell by their expressions that they understood why I share things like that with them. I definitely want to do more of that, too. They want to know how this stuff is relevant to their lives.
I then collected proposals and reminded them how important it is that they show up with their work done. I had at least two or three who came unprepared today. I told them they had to stay after and talk with me and they were accepting.
I then had them do the writing prompt. Today they had to write about discovering a new planet in which aliens had figured out how to live in peace and harmony with one another. I told them to describe what the planet looked like, what the aliens were like and what they missed about earth. When I asked them to share, I got a lot of sassy remarks and no volunteers. I called on a few people and they shared some interesting stuff. I wish they would have more fun with this. Hopefully I'll get some ideas. After reading through their responses after class, I realized that a lot of them had some fun stuff to share. I was laughing pretty hard with some of my fellow English 1000 instructors up in the office as I finished reading through them.
We then worked on coming up with a title for the magazine we will be making for our final product for Project 2. The students had forgotten to come up with titles, so we took a little time to brainstorm. I asked the students if they thought we should come up with a title today or if they wanted to wait. We decided to vote out the really bad ones and then come up with others for the upcoming class on Wednesday. I think the one that got the most votes was the "Bucking Bronco." There were a few other interesting ones. The students seemed to like the activity and I think I have some ideas for revisiting the topic on Wednesday...like giving them a little more direction on what a title should include so that the reader is captivated and knows what to expect.
We then looked at their proposals and what we thought they should include. Using that information, I handed out the worksheet that would be their homework that helps them prepare for doing interviews and conducting observations. I gave them examples of what I expected for how the sheet would be filled out and then an example of what they should do with the information once it was collected. Several will need a little more time because their cultures form on weekends, but overall I think we established the necessary communication about their individual needs. We also settled any issues on topics and I made sure that each student went home knowing whether or not their proposal was accepted and what they needed to do to make it work. I think they all have a good start.
That's basically how class went. I talked with the few students that needed help at the end of class (all of them stayed!) and we got everyones' situation figured out. I was really proud of them and excited to see that they are beginning to realize the need to work with me. Now I just need to get them to show up on time...
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