We wondered about implementing programs that seem to be successful on other campuses such as a faculty cafeteria or just an area for faculty to talk with colleagues from various schools. Certainly, the Teaching Circles are good as well to mingle with faculty from other schools. How do teachers set the tone for the first class. Some tell the students that they are responsible for everything the teacher says and does. Some teachers do not force attendance and believe in the philosophy that the student is paying for this so it is their responsibility to get the work done.
Group work is a good teaching method because it is self-policing.
More and more student assignments are web based and interactive. Elisabeth discussed ways she could incorporate web based acitivities into her theater classes. We all discussed how difficult it is to keep up with the technology available for the classroom and that we want to be on a better footing technologically so we can talk to the students. Melane offered some English exercises to Elisabeth that might work in Theater Appreciation. May. At the April meeting, we will talk with Mary Ann Blind.