STUDENT PARTICIPATION
The goals and objectives of this course in World History is significantly orientated toward a students ability to read and articulate what they have learned both orally and in writing. Therefore, a large portion of in class activity is focused on student discussion and debate. 50% of a student's final grade will be awarded on the basis of class participation. This document is being presented to aid students in understanding what constitutes 'class participation' and the reasons for its high emphasis.
PURPOSE
Students are expected to come to class prepared! That preparation is a result of the completion of the assigned readings posted on the weekly student 'to do list'. Often within that list are a list of questions to guide students to topics that will be discussed during the ensuing class period. This requirement keeps students organized and scheduled to complete assigned work on time. Students who are consistently prepared are clearly demonstrating their ability to properly schedule and manage their time. Their ability to participate in class discussion and debate is a reflection on their determination to learn as well as present ideas and opinions. Within the process of discussion, students will experience the nature of debate; the ability to listen and consider opposing viewpoints. Ultimately, this process of communication will have a positive impact on students ability to effectively write an argumentative essay on the topics under discussion. Both of these skills, oral communication and writing are featured within the goals and objectives of this course in World History.
DEFINITION
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A student is participating in the general verbal exchange during class when they are asking a question or responding to a question.
- A student is participating when they ask for clarification of a word or concept under consideration
- A student is participating when they organize a statement or question and forward it via email to the Professor seeking an answer or response
- A student is participating when they offer an expansion of or an alternative viewpoint to a topic under discussion.
- A student is participating when they offer any verbal response that demonstrates they are attempting to better understand a topic under discussion.
- A student's value of participation is defined more in terms of its quality than in quantity.
PREPARATION FOR PARTICIPATION
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Prepare written questions for each class period based upon the readings/films/lectures.
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Think topically! For example during the 'Age of Exploration' the readings will reveal the European vision of people who are non white and non Christian. This observation may set the stage for a discussion on ethnocentrism, racial bias, anti-semitism, religious truth etc.
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Make connections! Observe human nature at work within the historical narrative. Formulate a question as to the character of this human trait and make a correlation within modernity. Example, the subjugation of women! Question; what are the historical origins of this phenomena and why, in modern times, are women still considered inferior or even in some cases merely property in some cultures around the world?
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Think Compare and Contrast! Example; consider the level of technology of one culture over another. What implications politically, socially, economically result from this disparity?
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Be creative, think of ways to excite discussion. Never be afraid to be humorous!!
GOLDEN RULES FOR STUDENT PARTICIPATION:
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When a student asks a question it will always be considered a GOOD QUESTION!
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Whenever a student offers an answer to a question their response will NEVER be evaluated as to its correctness!
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Students are always expected to be polite and courteous!
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Quality over Quantity!!!
HOW IS PARTICIPATION GRADED?
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During each class session I make annotations into the general seating plan as to the quality and quantity of individual student participation.
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Notes are kept as a journal to be used in determining final evaluation on the level of a student's in class participation.
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Student preparedness for participation is graded highly
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Student participation that clearly indicates a strong desire to learn or understand a topic more clearly, is graded highly
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Student observation as to the use of vocabulary being used during a lecture or debate and desires clarity as to the definition, is graded highly.
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One on one discussions during office meetings for purposes of gaining assistance in order to improve on skills and academic performance are graded highly.
I invite students to make an appointment to discuss the status of my evaluation of their class performance at any time during the semester.