In an intro class today I did a demonstration meant to show them the absence of psychic abilities. I had them predict a coin toss on 20 throws. I had planned to have those who succeeded by more than 50% then predict on another series of coin tosses and show the effect of the normal curve. After the first round, I asked how many got less than 50% right. About one quarter of the class raised their hands. Then I asked how many got more than 50% right and another quarter of the class raised their hands. What the ...!! I have concluded that the current students have found a way to send 3dimensional holographic avatars to class so that they can appear to be there, but they actually are still back in their dorm rooms sleeping.
The same sort of thing happened a few years ago when I did a classic demonstration of choosing the face of a one cent piece. I asked the students to raise their hands regarding which of the different representations of a penny they chose. As I went through the options, I ended up with about 50% of the class still not claiming one as I got to the last one, which none of them admitted to choosing at the end. Perhaps these new clicker systems that allow us to do anonymous class polls might help, but I really would like to know why students come to class but don't take part in it. Bill Scott --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
