Whether an in-person or a remote learning experience, CL 210 revolves around a powerful pedagogical notion, namely collaborative teamwork.
In a team-based course, students work together on completing exercises based on the current material. Students demonstrate their mastery of the material not only by solving the problems posed by the exercises, but also by discussing them with their peers.
Let’s see how this notion plays out on a daily basis in conjunction with the other course requirements and methodologies.
A TYPICAL WEEK IN CL 210
MONDAY — Review
Mondays are for asking questions about the material, reviewing the material on a large scale, and addressing the course as a whole.
During class
- Students ask questions about the material, and the instructor reviews it as needed.
- The instructor reinforces old material with impromptu exercises and drills.
- The instructor reviews instructions and guidelines for assignments, exams, and other assessments.
TUESDAY — Teamwork
Tuesdays are teamwork days. Although new material is presented, much of class time is devoted to students working together in teams, or factiones, which will be randomly assigned that day.
Before class
- Read and review the appropriate portions of the textbook, noting questions along the way.
During class
- The instructor presents new material. Students ask questions about it, and the instructor responds as needed.
- Students assemble into their factiones and collaborate on completing the worksheet of the day via Google Docs, talking through the various problems and arriving at definitive answers. The textbook, notes, and other resources — including the instructor — may be consulted.
- The instructor circulates while the factiones are at work. They check the completed work, offering commentary and guidance as necessary, and award points at the end.
- All teamwork counts toward your Teamwork point totals. Everyone in your factio will receive the same score, unless they are absent.
WEDNESDAY — Homework
Due
- A brief homework assignment, due noon (EST) by email.
- All homework counts toward your Homework point totals.
- Unexcused late work will not be accepted.
- Remember to follow the Formatting requirements.
THURSDAY — Teamwork
Another teamwork day.
Before and during class
- Same procedures as Tuesday.
FRIDAY — Homework
Due
- A brief homework assignment, due noon (EST) by email.
- All homework counts toward your Homework point totals.
- Unexcused late work will not be accepted.
EXAM WEEKS
An exception to the weekly schedule above is an exam week, during which some classes will not be held in order to give students time to complete a take-home midterm exam. As noted on the syllabus, exams are open-book, open-note — though you must work entirely on your own.
Prior to an exam week, the typical Friday homework assignment is cancelled.
During an exam week, the Monday and Tuesday classes are cancelled, along with the Wednesday homework assignment. The exam is due by email and voicemail at noon (EST) on Tuesday. (Or, since March 16 is Break Day, Wednesday.)
The midterm exams are due 03.17 and 04.13. The final exam is due 05.12 (a Wednesday).
All exams count toward your Exams point totals.
