Andi, first, the social ecology of the room--I'd leave the door open and rearrange the class so the door brought students into the back of the room--they are less disruptive when they come in, and you can tolerate the noise--if possible;
Second, offer a Daily Study Question (DSQ). I did this in my intro course. Every class requiring readings, I'd begin class with a multiple choice/true false/fill-in-blank question on the overhead--something simple, but something that cumulatively rewarded reading and obviously showing up on time...total them about 1 or 2 points each but adding to something significant; you could also use each DSQ as an attention getter or segue into the classes overall lesson plan; students love the challenge--remember students today are performers--that's what gets them to college--these little mini-quizzes become fun and challenging; Third, include the university's policy along with your policy in the course guide/syllabus. If you allow make ups, make them an extraneous in terms of showing up during your office hours... Finally, be explicit that these strategies are designed to socialize them to be punctual; These things taken collectively can classically condition them...the other option is musical chairs--the last three to class must sit on the floor...morten -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Andi Stepnick Sent: Wednesday, January 04, 2006 12:05 PM Cc: [email protected] Subject: TEACHSOC: lateness policy? Hi All, Happy New Year! I'm teaching Intro this term at 8 and 9am and am considering a revision in my "lateness policy." Last term it seemed like a handful of kids repeatedly came in late which, obviously, disrupts class. (Students have 15 minutes between classes.) Most are apologetic when they are late and I'm better with that, but a few were casual, constant offenders. I shut the door when class starts to keep out hallway noise, so students have to knock to come it. I wonder what your policy is regarding being late. I'd prefer something positive (or light hearted) but that may not be most effective. Maybe students get a "free pass" for two latenesses and after that...what? I should add that my students this term are all freshman and the course is part of a new "vertical" curriculum that we're offering. So, the admin wants us to help "train" them. At this time of day, they'd be late due to oversleeping or lack of parking as opposed to another class running late. Ideas? What do you do? Thanks! Andi -------------- Every object, every being, Is a jar of delight. Be a connoisseur. ~Rumi~ Life is raw material. We are artisans. We can sculpt our existence into something beautiful, or debase it into ugliness. It's in our hands. ~Cathy Better~ Things which matter most should never be at the mercy of things which matter least. ~Johann von Goethe~ Dr. Andi Stepnick Associate Professor and Chair of Sociology 300-C Wheeler Humanities Building Belmont University Nashville TN 37212-3757 Direct Line: (615) 460-6249 Office Manager: (615) 460-5505 Sociology Fax: (615) 460-6997 ----- Original Message ----- From: Lisa Anne Zilney <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Wednesday, January 4, 2006 5:15 am Subject: TEACHSOC: Using the Film Crash > > > I vaguely remember a discussion several months ago about the film > Crash being used in courses to illustrate issues of race and > stereotypes (among other issues). I'm considering using this film > in a Perspectives on Justice class and was wondering if anyone has > specific ideas about incorporation, follow-up, etc. If you respond > privately, I'll compile responses and post to the list. > Much appreciated, > ~Lisa > > ********** > Lisa Anne Zilney, Ph.D. > Assistant Professor > Montclair State University > Sociology & Justice Studies > Dickson Hall 314 > Upper Montclair, NJ, 07043 > Office: 973-655-7225 > Fax: 973-655-5389 > > The greatness of a nation and its moral progress, > can be judged by the way its animals are treated. > ---Mahatma Gandhi > > Live as if you were to die tomorrow, > Learn as if you were to live forever. > ---Mahatma Gandhi > > > > >
