We will try to keep the work from becoming an excessive burden. Experience has shown the folly of letting the seminar erode in that direction and the wisdom of maintaining a fairly rigorous work schedule. At times the class will be conducted in conventional fashion, with the instructor lecturing, leading a discussion, or giving a teaching or planning demonstration. At other times the students will take over some of these functions or will work together in groups. In either case, however, the idea of a seminar places a premium on your initiative and participation.
Attendance is mandatory.
The absence of any member of the class deprives the others of his or her questions, answers, ideas, handouts, and the like. Absences may also mean that strategies or materials for teaching are missed. Students who because of illness or family emergency or school conferences must be absent should notify the instructor. It is easy for me in seminar situations to remember who is present and who is absent, but I cannot know whether an absence is to be excused or not unless you give me the relevant information. The grade for the seminar will be lowered for any more than one unexcused absence.