Let’s face it: getting students to participate in class is a challenge. My discussion-based sections of English composition sometimes felt more like Old Western standoffs than the collaborative learning communities I was striving for. After much trial and error, I found a simple practice that amped up the volume in my classes: attendance questions. Research… Read more »
Tag: attendance
Taking Attendance with Self-Portraits: A Two Minute Exercise
Outside Woodburn Hall, mostly sitting and mostly alone, students’ heads gesture down and into their devices and many ears are occupied by noise canceling headphones. As I biked by on my way to teach, I was struck by their complete stillness. At first glance I thought statues had been erected in the courtyard. Upon second… Read more »
Rethinking Attendance Policies When Moving Your Course Online
This post is part of our Keep Teaching blog series meant to help IU instructors move their classes online quickly due to COVID-19. For more detailed resources, see the Keep Teaching website. If you’re required to move your course online quickly—in case of a campus closure, for example—there are some decisions you’ll need to make… Read more »
Setting up your Canvas Gradebook to match your Syllabus
Every instructor takes time to carefully construct a syllabus that works perfectly with their teaching philosophy, the course content and structure, and that takes consideration of assessment techniques. However, sometimes translating that carefully constructed syllabus into Canvas can be a challenge. The consultants at the CITL are happy to help you set up your Canvas… Read more »
Do you need to track attendance in your class?
Canvas has an Attendance tool that you can use to indicate whether a student was present, absent or late. Some instructors use this tool to track participation in class by giving partial credit to those who are not active during a class session. You can also opt to give students partial credit if they are… Read more »