We are now in the third week of the semester. As instructors, we've challenged you to actually read the assigned readings before coming to class. We ask this so you come to class with a basic understanding of the content, which leaves us the freedom to engage with the content at higher cognitive levels in the classroom.
We don't just want you to know the material, but we want you to be able to discuss it, analyze it and synthesize it. These higher cognitive functions are so much more challenging to your brain than simple lecture and hours of PowerPoint presentations.
In essence, this class is about YOU learning the material, not the instructors demonstrating that they can drone on for hours about the material. That's called student-centered!
It can be uncomfortable at times because not many classes are run this way. Isn't that funny? Most classrooms are not student-centered. It seems kind of backward to me, because aren't classes supposed to be focused on students learning something...?
It has come to my attention that some students might be unsettled when they leave class. After doing the readings and engaging with the content students might not feel that they "know" the material.
So, in our student-focused class, we turn the onus of responsibility back on you. Reread the readings, look at the additional resources we tweet, and or pay us a visit to follow-up with us on anything you have questions about. Ignite your inner desire to know more and act on it!
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