Pursuing a democratic teaching model & getting back in touch

Dear friends,
As the Spring academic term winds down, I wanted to share with you the very positive news from my classes this Spring. In further developing the concept of a democratic teaching model, I have been very pleased with the quality of student papers and discussions. The students have written solid papers that analyze instead of merely summarize scholarly articles. We have explored together various geographic regions including Latin America, Africa, Asia, and students have made very impressive presentations. The usual 10-minute presentations generally last most of the hour as presenters shift to leading discussions.

I am still exploring (probably always will be)effective teaching methods. I find myself coming half circle back to offering more (mini) lectures on theories, while at the same time allowing students to help choose (and assign to other students) readings, negotiate grading structure, and agree on class format. I still have requirements for a research paper and community service.

I would be most interested in anyone sharing their thoughts on effective teaching - and learning. We can start a facebook group for anyone interested.

But I feel as if those of you who have enjoyed Betty's and my Sierra Leone blog and want to continue with this one are folks who share a common interest in learning, travel, and sharing ideas. Not sure what the best format is, but would love to hear from everyone who either follows this blog, or happens to come across it. We could set up a facebook group; I use facebook now (for the first time) with my classes. I still need to set up a blog alert for those who said "YES" to wanting to continue with this one. Am actually not sure how one does that other than to send an email notice. Any suggestions?

Hope to hear from you. Google offers translation, so if I can use it, that means anyone can join in using their own language. Please, no commercial material and only posts one can share with families.

Ten Steps Backward

Even when I have taught a class a dozen times before, I review my syllabus each semester looking for ways to improve the class. Occasionally, improving a class means adopting a new textbook. Now, state policy is making that more difficult, infringing on academic freedoms in the misguided belief that reducing marketplace competition will lower prices. My department is struggling to figure out how to adapt to this new environment and I am wondering what others are planning. Any comment? [The plan can be found in recent IHL minutes.]

Democratic teaching model

This is great; a place to share teaching ideas. I hope you all share what works and what doesn't.

I've moved to a "democratic model" of teaching in which students and I plan a course together; they choose and assign readings in addition to my assignments; we negotiate a grading proportion. It is a combination of sstudent-led discussions (mostly) and lectures by me. I do add a couple of requirements that might not be their choice: community service and a research paper.

In the three classes so far, this approach has greatly improved the quality of papers and discussions and generated considerable student interest. There are some bumps - a developing schedule (students shape it for the most part) and possible negative evals by those who may prefer just lectures. But the pedagocial gains are, I think, worth the risks. Students feel a good deal of ownership of the class.

Would welcome critiques, suggestions, similar (or contrasting) experiences.
Bob Press

Has the internet made me redundant?

I’ve been listening to the BBC Channel Four's marvelous series on a 100 objects that changed the world and it has raised an existential dilemma for me. I teach World Civilizations, but I am not an expert on world history, and I don’t do as good a job as this free, easy-to-download podcast does. So why shouldn't I just play the podcast for my students and shut up? Is the new media making our jobs redundant or are there ways I can use the new media to make myself more relevant?

Do you have inspiring thoughts in your teaching philosophy statement?

Share them here.

Renewed interest in talking about teaching

We have just kicked off the spring 2010 QEP Faculty Seminar. Last week, the first week of class, someone asked about a place to have online discussions about teaching. I set up this blog to do just that, so let's see if we can have some good discussions. Let me know if you encounter any problems posting. I see this as a public space--not my blog. So write away!