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Zackback
Joined: 05 Nov 2010
Location: Kyungbuk
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 Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 12:46 am Post subject: How to tell students NOT to come to class? |
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This one is a tough one for me.
How do you tell students not to come to class without coming right out and directly saying it so that later on you wouldn't be accused of doing so?
In the past before a long break my school would just throw in an extra stupid meaningless day just to "make-up" for a day that would be missed during the break even though one, it didn't mean anything or matter and two, none of the students wanted to be there anyway (I am talking about university students).
So how does one tell the students, "Look, no one has to show up and if no one shows up I don't care. It won't count against your grade - enjoy your break" but in a far more subtle way with the point still getting across?
Thanks
Zackback |
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YTMND
Joined: 16 Jan 2012
Location: You're the man now dog!!
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| Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 1:09 am Post subject: |
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I did the very thing today.
I told them to attend and do "something" (the something can be whatever you decide) before the date in question.
If they do it, they don't have to come the "next day". So far, students understand this. |
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flabberghasted
Joined: 01 Sep 2012
Location: Domakgol
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| Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 2:23 am Post subject: |
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| I usually say that I will not take attendance on that day. |
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artyom
Joined: 28 Jul 2007
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| Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 2:36 am Post subject: |
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| First, spend the lesson teaching them the expression 'Read between the lines'. |
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The Cosmic Hum
Joined: 09 May 2003
Location: Sonic Space
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| Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 7:29 am Post subject: |
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| artyom wrote: |
| First, spend the lesson teaching them the expression 'Read between the lines'. |
And then add this to the end of the lesson...maybe not so subtle�but quite effective.
It is my understanding that in their wisdom the university is imposing a mandatory day on you.
Yes, I agree with you. It is totally unfair to you students, as I know how hard you have all worked and studied during this semester so far.
I know, I know, this is not fair to you, and I really do feel for you�unfortunately, I cannot cancel that class.
However, I will not be taking any attendance for that day. If you are unable to come because you feel the need to go to the library on that day to study for other classes, or you need extra travelling time to visit your mother and father back home, there will be no penalties held against you.
But, if you do wish to come in on what would otherwise be a day off for you�cough�I will be here for you.
And I will be giving an intensive and comprehensive review test. In fact, I have already prepared the 10 page 200 question exam.
It will cover all the material explicitly taught throughout this course so far. It will also involve many of the things I have mentioned and tacitly referred to. It will even include some of the interesting things that we almost studied.
All grammar and spelling mistakes will be counted against you, as well as any errors in fact.
If you do not get at least 85% on this test, you will fail�and it could count as high as 50% of your final grade.
But again, please remember, if you are too busy and stressed out studying for other classes, you can choose not to come to this class. I won�t be taking any attendance, and your grade will not be affected in any way.
And to make matters fair for everyone, I will let this decision be made as a democracy�but we require a unanimous decision. Everyone must agree to the same outcome.
Anyone who demands to come in and take the 10 page 200 question examination�raise your hand.
Everyone who feels a bit stressful and would like to have some extra time to study for other classes, or really wishes they could have a bit more time to spend with their families�raise your hand.
I totally understand, and I am not the least bit offended that not any of you are able to come to school on that day.
Have a nice day. |
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Gorf
Joined: 25 Jun 2011
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| Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 8:44 am Post subject: |
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| Tell them you're going to be too busy adjusting your wife's slave shackles to attend. |
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Zackback
Joined: 05 Nov 2010
Location: Kyungbuk
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| Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 4:07 pm Post subject: |
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CH: Great idea. I'm there!
Gorf: My wife doesn't put her slave shackles on me..because I am not married  |
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JustinC
Joined: 10 Mar 2012
Location: We Are The World!
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| Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 4:14 pm Post subject: |
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| Tell them it's a 'How high do students float?' day, and voluntary. |
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blm
Joined: 11 Nov 2010
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| Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 4:24 pm Post subject: |
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Perhaps go to them individually with the attendance sheet of that day. Point to the date and let them watch you mark them as having attended.
Not a word needs to be spoken. |
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scorpiocandy
Joined: 27 Feb 2008
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| Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2012 8:56 pm Post subject: |
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One of my students once asked me what it meant when someone on TV used air quotes.
They got it quickly and in subsequent lessons would say things like Jane is "sick" today when a particular student was missing yet again.
We had "class". |
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