Positive Point Accumulation: Enabling Students to Build Their Own Grade

TL;DR

This presentation explores the concept of positive point accumulation as a way to engage students in the learning process.

Transcript

uh my name is john boyer katie pritchard is here in this room somewhere right is your window popping up or you just want to you just want to jump up jump high jump high [Laughter] i'm tall this camera's set for me so she has to jump up to get into the frame uh and we are going to do a presentation i say we i'll do most of the talking and then katie... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🎓 Flipping the syllabus and prioritizing homework can increase student engagement and ownership of their learning.
• 👻 Flexibility in assignments and assessments allows students to showcase their strengths and interests.
• 🔉 Embracing social media and technology in the classroom can enhance engagement and create a positive learning environment.
• 🧑‍🎓 Building a community and sense of connection outside of the classroom is crucial for student engagement.
• 😥 Positive point accumulation provides incentives for students to actively participate in their learning.
• 🥺 Transitioning to a new teaching approach may take time, but can lead to more effective and engaging instruction.
• 😫 Setting deadlines and prioritizing certain assignments can help ensure that students complete the required coursework.

Questions & Answers

Q: How do you ensure that students do all the required videos?

While the videos are available for students to watch at their own pace, deadlines are set to keep them on track. Additionally, the value of certain assignments is prioritized, encouraging students to complete them.

Q: How long did it take to transition from the traditional way of teaching to the new approach?

The transition occurred gradually over a period of years, as the presenter experimented with different assignments and engaged with larger and online classes.

Q: How do you prevent cheating in a system that allows students to choose their assignments?

By creating a variety of assignments and assigning different point values to them, students are encouraged to choose the assignments that align with their strengths. This reduces the incentive to cheat.

Q: Can you provide some insights on the use of social media in the classroom?

Social media is used to build community and engagement outside of the classroom. It allows students to interact with each other and the instructor, fostering a sense of connection and participation.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The presenter shares their experience of teaching large and online classes, and the challenges they faced in engaging students effectively.

• They introduce the concept of flipping the syllabus, which involves prioritizing homework and creating maximum flexibility in assignments.

• The presenter discusses the importance of embracing social media and technology in the classroom to enhance engagement and create a positive learning environment.