One of the suggestions here is to avoid essay exams if possible because they are so time consuming to grade. However, an earlier course on how students retain information advised that essay exams are the best way for students to show they have actually learned the material. The suggestion here is that mutliple choice and true/false are the best way to streamline grading of exams, but these are also the least effective way of showing student retention of the information. How can these be reconciled with each other? In composition or other writing intensive classes, in which exams are impractical… >>>

I teach general education courses which are vital components of the students' well-rounded education. Unfortunately, the students don't see it that way. The problem students that I have are generally the ones who don't see the value of these general education courses and how they are beneficial to their overall careers. They come to class only because it is required and put in the minimal amount of effort to pass the class. The challenge is making the material relevant to these students. In order to engage these students, I try to incorporate their specific career interests and programs into the… >>>