This spring I tried a few things that I had never done before in the classroom.  In addition to some of my normal methods (Friday Fun Fact, Allowing the class to decide the homework component of the grade, etc), I arranged the intro class in a way I have never done before, including adding three different types of assignments that were new to me.  These three assignments were:

• Facebook Group/Blog posts as the reading check/comprehension portion of the grade
• A portfolio assignment of essays submitted previously in the semester as the major component of the grade
• A student-chosen project demonstrating philosophical understanding and learning as the final for the class

In the upcoming weeks, I’ll be posting a blog on the general format of the class, as well as each of the different new assignments I tried this semester.  On the whole, I think it was a real success, and I know some of the students read this blog, and I am sure they’ll comment if they think otherwise.  As I discuss these new assignments, please join the discussion with any insights you might be able to add!