I like giving "debunking quizzes" on the first day. For example, in a Drugs and Society class I give multiple choice questions that hit the major topics and myths about drug use. I'll give students a few minutes to work on this individually. I then have students get into groups to discuss their answers and give a group answer (this strategy is to try to minimize group think). The quiz and group work serves several functions:
1. The quiz introduces the topics. 2. The quiz shows them what sociologists do (a common idea around my campus is that 'sociologists study the obvious'. I get a chance to say yes, we may study the obvious, what most people take for granted, but often have findings that will surprise you). 3. The group work teaches them to listen to people who have different view points from themselves. 4. I use the quiz to show how disturbing sociology can be (because it questions our taken for granted ideas.) I then go over the quiz giving them the answers and a bit about the question but mostly just saying 'we'll learn more about that in chapter so and so'. Next, I tell them specifically that this class will question their common understandings and that it can be (should be) disturbing. I think this is important because some people are not willing to question their ideas and this gives them a chance to drop the class (and I tell them that too). Finally, I point out that a major part of the class will be learning how to listen to others (taking the role of the other) and again, if they're not willing to do that it's best to take another class. I think that explaining the disturbing aspect of sociology on the first day is the most important point of the day. But, I'm a fairly new teacher and I would really like to hear what others have to say about this. Thanks! Tina Tina Deshotels Assistant Professor of Sociology Jacksonville State University Jacksonville AL -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jacqueline Bergdahl Sent: Wednesday, May 17, 2006 9:52 AM To: [email protected] Subject: TEACHSOC: first day activity In my intro classes I usually start by going in a few minutes early and put up the following instructions: Write down the answers the following questions: 1. What do you expect to happen in class today? 2. How do you know I am the instructor for this class? 3. What makes you think I might not be? I then leave the room and get my materials and return a few minutes later. I start the class by dicussing their answers as an example of everyday sociology (e.g. seeing patterns, definition of the situation, taken-for-granted knowledge). And then I ask them to put their names on their papers and turn them in. I believe I got this from Newman's introductory instructor manual many years ago. It makes the students sit up and take notice and I think sets a good tone for the class. Jacqueline A. Bergdahl, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Sociology Wright State University 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway Dayton, OH 45435 937-775-2272 Fax: 937-775-4228 --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Teaching Sociology" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/teachsoc -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
