On occasion, I have difficulty in keeping students involved and interested in the topic being discussed. I often find that I end up craking jokes and telling personal stories and getting students to contribute their own stories as well. I often bring in games such as jeopardy to engage the students with the content material. I find that playing games with the material where student not only answer questions but create the questions themselves, help them in retaining the information. Many of my students ask me at the beginning of each class which game we will be playing that day.… >>>

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… >>>