DIY Contracts

A reminder that DIY contracts are due Thursday, February 13.  Make sure to check out the assignment sheet in the "Course Assignments" folder on ANGEL. 

In essence, we're giving you the option of designing your own assignment in order to pursue a topic that is of particular interest to you.  However, if you're having trouble thinking of an idea you are always welcome to pick a second option from the "Pick One" assignments.

The items that need to be included in your learning contract are outlined in the assignment sheet.  If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me.

Barriers to Accessing Education

What are other barriers to accessing an education, or if you would like to be more specific, accessing an education in agriculture?   

Discuss with your classmates, research online, look at past readings to identify an additional barrier to accessing education or agricultural education.  Select one barrier and be prepared to share the following in class on Tuesday:

1. What is the barrier?


2. What are characteristics of the barrier?


3. Where is the barrier prevalent in the world?


4. What are suggested strategies for overcoming the barrier?


5. Cite one resource in APA style that supports your finding.

For your readings for Tuesday you will also be reading a case study of your choice from the MEAS project.  You can get a jump start on Tuesday's class by filling out the worksheet as you read (recommended!).  Use the copy you picked up in class, or find an extra copy in ANGEL.

Researching a Source

Remember that for Thursday's class we ask you to research a source cited in the reading "Gender, Higher Education and AET".  Locate and read the article, and fill out the questions on the handout.  If you need an extra copy of the handout, look in ANGEL under "Course Session Materials". 

Be prepared to share your findings on Thursday!

Readings for Session 7

Class, just a reminder that in addition to the course readings for Tuesday, I'd like you to familiarize yourself with the Millennium Development Goals by exploring the website and checking on the progress made toward each goal. 

Who made the goals, and how much time do we have left to achieve them?  Is the world on track to meet these goals?  Why do we care about these goals in this course?

This reading is not required, but you might be particularly interested in reading the report on teaching and learning, which found that 75% of the teachers in the world are not formally trained in education.

Tuesday is a tech day!  Also, remember that we have readings #5 & 7, and that Tuesday will be the first journal check.  Plan to leave your journal with us before you leave class on Tuesday!

Finally, remember that Step 1 for your "This I Believe" essay is due on Thursday - either a hard copy turned in during class, or uploaded into the dropbox on ANGEL.

But...I still have questions!

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!

Example "This I Believe" Podcast

Here is an example This I Believe Podcast that your classmate, Keith Taylor, shared.

I encourage you to check it out.

http://rhetoricandciviclifetaylor.tumblr.com/post/16871216484/this-i-believe-crying-in-sports-by-keith-taylor