Class+Attitude


 * CLASS ATTITUDE**

A grade is what we ourselves earn. It is not simply what the professor gives.

Internal gyroscope/compass Setting your own high standards for your work Like the Holy Spirit setting our moral compass Our course is more like going to work each day. No big ups and downs, like midterms, finals, term paper. No daily quizzes. But how you do your job day-in and day-out. Similar to how you create a good reputation with your boss, coworkers, and clients. Like an independent study.

You must set your own standard. Stay at it. Consistency Keep motivated. Enjoy it.

I will check in with you (our one-on-one huddles) 3-4 times during the semester to review what you have done. I can't read 100 student reactions each class session.

Try to look at your classmates when they are offering a prayer request or making a verbal contribution.

Use class time effectively.

Even if you think you are done with what has been assigned for the class period, keep yourself legitimately busy until dismissal (always a bit early!). Return to websites we used during prior class periods.

Come to class. You can't participate if you are not present. Success in life is often merely showing up.

Come with your proper tools each time: You will be docked half an unexcused absence if you come to class without your required materials, principally your laptop.

A word about laptops. Our laptops are to enhance learning. Excessive dinging around with it will grieve the Holy Spirit (and me) and will warrant half an unexcused absence.

All of us need to be faithful in appropriately using our laptops during class time. I don't want to have to spy on you but hope to count on you not to be using your laptop to do email or surf the web.

I want to feel confident that you are working away appropriately—even if I am not watching.

Check out these Scripture references to "eye-service": Ephesians 6:5-6 (NAS) and Colossians 3:22 (NAS).

Do something once you are here. Your class participation will make the difference between an "A" and a non-A. Most of my grading of you is on-going, as I observe you day after day in class. Verbally and non-verbally, demonstrate enthusiasm and a positive attitude. Look toward me and make eye contact periodically. When you look continually at your computer when I am talking, I question—perhaps unfairly to you—what you are doing. Demonstrate a positive attitude toward whatever feedback I may provide. Aim to get better, not bitter.

Reminder: Even if you think you are done with what has been assigned for the class period, keep yourself legitimately busy until our dismissal: Go deeper into the assigned websites; or return to websites we used during prior class periods.

Above all: the Lord is present; God First. Say hello and goodbye or high five me. Do the same to your seatmates. Demonstrate some outward evidence of being into the session. Look toward me and make eye contact. Gush with enthusiasm and a positive attitude. Smile, laugh. Don't distract your classmates from learning. Don't pack to leave before you are dismissed.
 * Classroom Atmosphere**

Group work Figure out how to do some (I am not a big fan of too much of it) legitimate group work, like a segment every Wednesday for example. Finishing early does not mean you leave early. I will give you an additional assignment. How you interact and how hard you work at our groups will count toward your semester grade. Excessive dinging around [same as above!!]

Feedback How should we handle negative feedback? [I apply this admonition to myself.] The amateur will recoil and defend. The professional will take a deep breath and say "What do you think I could do differently." Remember: I still love you as a person, even if I have to award a low grade for your performance on a particular assignment.