To add variety to the class through an assignment which is not typical for that class, i.e. writing poetry in a math class. To enable students to share their concerns and thoughts about their anxieties about the course or course content. Students write a poem using course content as the basis instead of personal observations. Create a class poetry book composed of the individual entries. Use the poems as a basis for advising or counseling students who indicate they are having problems with the class.
Students read their poems in pairs or larger groups.
Working in pairs or larger groups compose a new poem. Groups organize poems by topic structure or some other criteria as if they were editing a poetry book. Groups use the poetry to identify problems students are having with the class, course content, or outside problems which adversely effect their performance. Whole class discussion follows this activity. I would like you to write a poem about math.