Archive of #FYCchat from 2/23/11

Student apathy can really drain the energy out of a class and make professors question their own abilities as teachers. Luckily, #FYCchat group members have got each others' backs. In the archive from February 23rd's #FYCchat, you'll find lots of helpful tips for keeping up student motivation, dealing with apathetic students, and dealing with our own insecurities.

#FYCchat 2.23.11

Don't forget to join us next week at 9 pm EST/8 pm CST on #FYCchat.

This Wednesday's Chat Topic: Confronting Student Apathy

Let's face it; students are 99.99% of the time taking our classes because they have to, not because they want to. How do we deal with apathetic students who refuse to take the work we are asking them to do seriously? What happens when all the carrots fail, and we are left only with the stick of a failing grade? When do we "give up" on a student (yes, I asked a loaded question on purpose)? How do we maintain our own level of commitment when we are faced with overwhelming student apathy, disinterest, and sometimes outright contempt?

Come one, come all, on Wednesday at 9 PM EST, to Twitter for #FYCchat. Hope to see you then.

Archive of #FYCchat from 2/16/11

Standardized testing was the central focus of February 16th's #FYCchat. It lead to conversations about the effects of high school standardized testing on FYC students, standardization of class materials, entrance and exit exams, and the challenges of standard assessment.

Archive of 2.16.11

If you like what you read, don't forget to join us Wednesday nights at 9 pm EST/ 8 pm Central for #FYCchat!

Our Next Topic: Standardized Tests

We've chosen a hot-button topic: standardized tests and testing. We will be coming at from two different perspectives: dealing with having to use them and dealing with the students who are a product of them.

Some of us, because of increasing standardization of FYC curriculum and "learning outcomes" are now required to administer some for of standardized or common test. What do we, as professors, do in order to ensure that we don't just "teach to the test?" How are we compromising in the name of the testing requirements?

On the other side, we see the impact that standardized testing has had on our students' writing and studying habits. What are some of the strategies you use to "break" those habits and get the students writing, not for a test, but for themselves and for their academic success?

Hope to see everyone on Wednesday night, 9 PM Eastern, on Twitter.

Archive of #FYCchat from 2/9/11

Here is the archive from the #FYCchat that took place on February 9. The chat topic was grading, and it opened up discussion about assessment, rubrics, and time management.

#FYCchat 2.9.11

If you like what you read, don't forget to join us Wednesday nights at 9 pm EST/ 8 pm Central at #FYCchat.

Discussion Topic for #FYCchat on 2/9/11

It's about that time when those first essays roll in, which makes it a prime time to consider grading and assessment. Do you grade by contract? Do you use a rubric? More than one? None at all? How do you design your rubric? Do you give students an opportunity for extra credit? How do you decide the range of As through Fs? All of those questions and more are up for discussion tonight. 

If you want to join the chat, then pop by tonight, Wednesday, February 9, at 9pm EST/ 8pm Central. Remember the hashtag: #FYCchat!

Archive of #FYCchat from 2/2/11

When it comes to resources, most of us have a few tricks up our sleeve. That's what February 2's #FYCchat was all about. FYC instructors shared online resources for teaching grammar, brainstorming, explaining credible sources, enhancing critical thinking, and approaching all sorts of other writing issues. We also spent time thinking about the Writing Center and how we incorporate it into our courses.

#FYCchat 2.2.11

Our next chat will be held on Wednesday, February 9 at 9 pm EST/ 8 pm Central. Grading will be the topic of conversation. If you like what you read, don't forget to join us... and spread the word!