This is an email that was sent to everyone in my writing class on February 3, 2016.
The professor certainly wasn't describing my behavior when he sent this email to everyone.
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Email 2 of 2: Engagement in class
Justin M. Reed
[jmreed@bhcc.mass.edu]
Actions
Cc:
Justin M Reed
Wednesday,
February 03, 2016 3:02 PM
Dear all,
I'm noticing a few trends in class that I'd like to improve:
1) The level of participation. It's early in the semester, but so far most
classes have relied upon the participation of about half of the class. I'm very
pleased with those of you who offer your opinions and I don't want that to
stop. But I want those of you who have offered less to begin getting involve.
Keep in mind that participation forms a good chunk of your grade, and if you
struggle with papers, this may be a way to help improve your final mark. It is
also the pathway to a more engaging, fulfilling class. Put your opinion out
there! I would really appreciate it. As an effort to improve participation, I
am going to begin calling on random people in class.
2) Cell phone use. I understand that some of you may be using your cell phones
to pull up the reading, but unfortunately I have no way to tell whether that is
the case, or if you're simply texting. From here on out: no cell phone use in
class. Print the reading or bring a laptop.
3) Some of you have already had several absences. Some of them have been
unavoidable--which I've taken note of--but this is an early reminder: absences
will affect your grade. I've included the policy below.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Justin
Course Policies:
Attendance: We all need contact with others in order to think?we need to talk
about ideas, hear other points of view, and receive feedback on the strengths
and weaknesses of our own arguments, written and otherwise. For these reasons,
it is vital that you attend class regularly. Missing more than two classes may
negatively affect your grade; consequences will be more severe if you miss
in-class assignments, peer workshops, or one-on-one consultations with me. If
you miss more than four classes, I reserve the right to fail you for the
course. If you know you will have to miss a class, let me know so you don?t
fall behind. Also, be on time for class. Showing up late is rude and
disruptive. Three tardy arrivals count as an absence. If you are more than 15
minutes late, you would be considered absent.
I'm noticing a few trends in class that I'd like to improve:
1) The level of participation. It's early in the semester, but so far most
classes have relied upon the participation of about half of the class. I'm very
pleased with those of you who offer your opinions and I don't want that to
stop. But I want those of you who have offered less to begin getting involve.
Keep in mind that participation forms a good chunk of your grade, and if you
struggle with papers, this may be a way to help improve your final mark. It is
also the pathway to a more engaging, fulfilling class. Put your opinion out
there! I would really appreciate it. As an effort to improve participation, I
am going to begin calling on random people in class.
2) Cell phone use. I understand that some of you may be using your cell phones
to pull up the reading, but unfortunately I have no way to tell whether that is
the case, or if you're simply texting. From here on out: no cell phone use in
class. Print the reading or bring a laptop.
3) Some of you have already had several absences. Some of them have been
unavoidable--which I've taken note of--but this is an early reminder: absences
will affect your grade. I've included the policy below.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Justin
Course Policies:
Attendance: We all need contact with others in order to think?we need to talk
about ideas, hear other points of view, and receive feedback on the strengths
and weaknesses of our own arguments, written and otherwise. For these reasons,
it is vital that you attend class regularly. Missing more than two classes may
negatively affect your grade; consequences will be more severe if you miss
in-class assignments, peer workshops, or one-on-one consultations with me. If
you miss more than four classes, I reserve the right to fail you for the
course. If you know you will have to miss a class, let me know so you don?t
fall behind. Also, be on time for class. Showing up late is rude and
disruptive. Three tardy arrivals count as an absence. If you are more than 15
minutes late, you would be considered absent.
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Copyright, with noted exceptions, L. Kochman, July 20, 2017 @ 2:23 p.m.
