Student groups for collaborative learning
Each student is assigned to a study/research group, called a band. The name is a metaphor (garage band) to suggest the nature of group collaboration: your study group benefits from a mix of learning styles just as a band benefits from a mix of instruments. The purpose of the band is to gain some experience with collaborative problem solving, which is the way you may expect to work when you enter your career. Bands are expected to meet outside of class not only to plan their presentation, but also to work together on learning the NWE writing tools, or for brainstorming ideas about how to do the projects.
Assignments
Each band makes one group presentation to the class. The purpose of these presentations is to share with the class your plans for completing the assignment. The band as a whole needs to cover the readings and screenings assigned up to that point.
- Do not simply summarize what is in the readings (assume that the class has read the material). Instead, locate the ideas and techniques in the readings and tapes that seem most helpful in doing the project.
- Explain not only what the idea or technique is, but state explicitly the reasoning behind your choice.
- Each individual need not cover everything: divide the work up among the band members. However, each individual should say something about his/her specific plans for doing his/her version of the project.
- Summary: Translate the readings into instructions for how to compose the blog.
Evaluation
Each presentation is worth 50 points: 40 points for the presentation (including coordination among members of the group); 10 points FOR AN EMAIL POST, reporting on what was learned about the assignment from the in-class performance (including interaction with the professor). This post is due within 3 days following the presentation.