September 14, 2008
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Is there a formula in my head that I use when keeping/revising/deleting assignments and required reading? I think so… I think it’s something like:
Rate of Success (How successful it’s been in the past)
X
My interest/enthusiasm with assignment/reading
Divided by
Years it’s been used…Blogging: 70% success X 90% enthusiasm / 3 years = 6300/3 = 2100
The “Fries” Essay: 50% X 90% / 3 years = 4500/3 = 1500The assignments/readings with higher numbers would stay in the course; although, the longer they are used, the smaller the number would get making me wonder if I should try something new which is pretty typical anyhow for a teacher to consider.
Even this formula needs some revising, I have a feeling. Ideas?
Comments (4)
you took a wonderful subject, literature, and ruined it by adding math. *sigh* too many numbers in your formula. i have no thoughts… the numbers scare all my thoughts away.
@PhilippiansThree14 - The courses I teach aren’t literature-based; I teach composition… sorry to make you sigh, but I like adding equations into how I think. In fact, my Master’s thesis, about blogging, had charts and statistics in it. I like the connecting of the two subjects since I never thought I’d use my math skills after high school/college.
With that said, I think when I was trying to pinpoint a formula, I was also trying to see what elements I need to look at when creating a course/syllabi… it’s important to me that: I a) switch things up every so often, b) I am excited to teach the material, and c) what I use has been successful with students in the past. I’ve had teacher who used the same crap over and over, didn’t have enthusiasm for what the material, and could’ve cared less if students got anything out it in the past = I aim to not be that teacher.
Whew. Long response. Eeek.
composition… even BETTER! *double sigh* heh heh
i think it’s great that you switch things up. it keeps the material fresh and your enthusiasm up. and i’m really just teasing you about the formula, because everyone needs some way to make decisions. for me, however, that way would only include math as a last resort.
@PhilippiansThree14 - Thnx. I knew you were teasin’; when I bring in diagrams or charts to class, my students look thoroughly confused.