The first lecture of my summer ethics course went well. I have 24 students, twice as many as the first time I taught the class. I really enjoy teaching this class, the students are motivated and engaging and it's a fun subject.
I'm trying two experiements this semester. The first is a survey I passed out which asks the students about their positions on the issues we'll be discussing. We'll do another one at the end and see if there has been any change. It's a way to 1) find out what the class thinks, in a pre-philosophical way, and 2) see if minds have been changed.
The other experiment is handing out my notes before class. I'm like this idea for many reasons, one of which is that I can include so much more in the lecture - larger excerpts from articles, images, etc. - without the time consuming practice of writing on the board. (Now if I had power point in the class, that might be different). I never liked writing on the board because not only does it waste time, I feel like I've got my back to the class too much of the time which makes discussion harder. I think the class will be more engaging by not having to worry about getting information in the hands of the students. And I also can make sure the notes emphasize what's important.
My concern about doing this is that students use the notes as a substitute for the course and not come to class. But because the students are older, I don't think it will be a problem.
As a student I've always appreciated teachers who gave us their notes and I'm sure my students will like it too.
Posted by Tim at May 25, 2004 09:52 AM