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Regarding the problems you have getting the class to discuss the material, I've never in my twelve years tried to discuss things cold. Making discussion a required part of the course might help, and staging them creatively (with groups of various sizes, different kinds of discussion exercises, etc.) might help. Assigning questions to groups is one method I've found effective. Lance Bernard Date: Thu, 23 Mar 2006 From: Jenni Drozdek Subject: Dealing with apathy Has anyone else dealt with extreme student apathy (especially in introductory courses)? I am teaching an Art History course this semester that has been the most challenging class I have had thus far. Although it is an "early" class (starts at 9:30am), I am still shocked and disheartened by the apathy and boredom of the students. Every class, 2 or 3 students are obviously sleeping, while about half struggles to stay awake. I am a big proponent of class participation but have found it immensely difficult to engage these students who either never read the text (and this is an Honors level class!), look annoyed when I ask questions, or simply stare at me with blank eyes. The class leaves me absolutely drained when I finish, and I have even run out of material (I know - most of us have the opposite problem) because the time I had hoped to spend discussing material cannot be put to use because students are simply not interested in engaging. I am finding that the class is causing me to question my abilities to teach (I've only been teaching for about 3 years and have taught about 7 or 8 course of varying levels) and leaving me mentally exhausted. Has anyone else encountered similar problems or could comment on mine? Thanks much, Jenni Drozdek PhD candidate, Art History Adjunct Lecturer, Duquesne University and Carlow University --------------------------------- Blab-away for as little as 1¢/min. Make PC-to-Phone Calls using Yahoo! Messenger with Voice.
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