Rigorous assignments and tough projects with my student population have backfired when I attempted them. I tried rigorous assignments and things got worse. They didn't attempt anything and many skipped class the following week. Group discussion does seem to work but not one of them will schedule time to meet with another person from class. It forces group work to be in class only. I have found that my students all have a "tough" personal life. Many are single parents of low income households and can barely make their rent. They prioritize carefully and put my class last. They work… >>>

I teach Critical Thinking in a General Education department at a career oriented institution. My students rank my course, though required, as lower in priority than their others because it is not overtly career targeted. Also the course is 1/2 of the typical credit value. In a way the credit value is proof to my students that my class is worth less. Nearly 40% of their overall grade is based upon attendance. They could sleep in my presesnce and get full credit for attending all 12 weeks. Alas, they don't show and they don't hand in assignments. Any suggestions on… >>>