New semester, new syllabi: This semester I’ll be teaching two classes I have taught many times before, an introduction to they study of English syntax and a more advanced course, introducing students to working with a specific theoretical framework. What have I learned from previous iterations of these classes?
- Less content doesn’t mean a less rigorous class. Set more time aside for ungraded check-ins, group collaboration in the classroom, and project development.
- Final exams can be great. Students in my advanced syntax class much prefer an in-class exam over take-home assignments, because they know they’ll be done in 90 mins.
- Final exams can be _not_ great. Students in my intro classes are very stressed out at the end of the semester. I’m now offering, rather than requiring, a final exam, which students can use to make up for any other exam they took in the course of the semester.
Let’s do this!