26 June 2007
The goal of this assignment is to see how well you can function as a classroom instructor. You will be graded on the criteria established throughout this year; in addition, in terms of content, you will be graded on how much vital information was left out; coherence (one point must follow logically from the last); focus (no rambling, for example), poise (students must have confidence in their teacher), and so on.
Although in a regular class orientation you might have (indeed, might wish) the whole class hour, for the purpose of this class you should complete your orientation (introduction to the class) in no more than ten minutes.
To start you off, I will give you a brief start of such an orientation. The rest is up to you:
"Good afternoon students. If you're in this class, you have registered for Economics 101. If you haven't registered for this class and don't wish to, then you're in the wrong classroom! For the others, I'll give you a brief outline of what will happen this semester. First, Economics 101 is not an introductory course and Economics 100 is a prerequisite to taking this course. If you haven't taken Econ 100, under special circumstances, I can give you an exemption, but this will have to be on a personal level and you should see me right after class about this. Otherwise you're not eligible to take this class.
"Basically Econ 101 covers economic history of Western nations from about the Middle Ages to the modern market economy. The textbook we'll be using is The Modern Development of Western Economy by Jonathan Figgs. Our reading will include one chapter of that book each week.
"Later I'll say something about the content of the material in the textbook. Right now I wish to address the issue of what is expected from you as students.
"First, attendance is absolutely required. More than three unexcused absences will result in a loss of one half grade for each unexcused absence.
"Lateness will also be penalized. . . . "
This is only a model. Any student who has an orientation resembling this model in any way will be penalized. Do your own work; find your own style. That goes without saying.
You should also consider using props (sample books, though it doesn't have to be the real book, just make-believe) and other accessories, such as the blackboard, the lectern (the speaker's platform: if you choose). However, unless you're introducing a class to kindergarten students, I advise you to leave blue elephants, and other such accessories, home.
Any questions, feel free to ask.
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