James Jackson

Virginia, there is nothing wrong with your students taking notes. The focus here is providing multiple paths to learning. I have taken time in the early part of a new group of students to discuss study habits and how to take good notes. For some the writing down of materials helps them to focus while for others taking notes is a distraction from the lesson. I would provide handouts but also recommend to those students that liked taking notes to put the information down in their own words. This is exceptionally helpful with students that struggle a bit with comprehension.… >>>

Virginia, I am glad to hear you have a technique that works well for you. I do feel however that you may want to consider other methods of classroom participation. You are the guide and the classroom leader but there is nothing wrong with students giving the wrong answers, in fact it provides a great gauge to you as the instructor and can allow you to introduce a review or am amplification of a topic that may not be totally understood. Bottom line is you have to go with what works for you. Just wanted to provide another point of… >>>

Donald, I sympathize with your concerns. I agree and am not sure what the attendance policy is really accomplishing. In my classes I always had the attendance sheet signed at the end of class. If the students want to come and go as they please I might suggest they look into Online courses as they are not time bound. If the students are not in your class then when do they learn the materials? I would just focus on keeping the lesson plans as engaging as possible and do what you can to make the learning interesting and hopefully more… >>>