Do I have to come to class every day? I understand you are busy and often have to multitask, as well as juggle a schedule full of practices, meetings, work, and other classes. And everybody gets sick now and then. But something you should be aware of: for each 45 minute class missed, it takes approximately 2 hours of studying/review to catch back up. Sure, you could cram and hope that it's not going to be on the test - but do this a few times and I bet you'll see your grade start to slip, Then you'll have to fit tutoring into that already crazy schedule....it's a vicious circle. Get to class, on time, and don't get caught in that mess.
Can I turn work in late? Usually the answer is no. I'll be busy grading the assignments of the other few hundred students who did turn their work in on time. I make exceptions in some cases if you speak with me about a problem before the due date. Communication is key - excuses are worthless.
But I can work with a friend, right? Yes, if by 'work with' you mean review together and reinforce each other's learning. This kind of collaborative learning is planned and encouraged; it is a study method you will find helpful in college as well. If instead you meant frantically copy the work from 5 minutes before class, no. I might not catch it but when you test over the material that you yourself did not do - it will become apparent to both of us. Your grade won't take a hit from one missed assignment, but if you find this is becoming a habit we need to discuss how to change your study habits.
What about my cell phone? I don't want to see or hear it in class. If I do, that means it has already interrupted our learning process and has demonstrated itself to be a problem. It will simply sit on my desk until the end of class when you can take it with you. There are times where we will use them as I don't mind you googling a quick fact or documenting a lab result when appropriate. The key is to ASK FIRST. About 95% of the time a student asks to use their phone I don't mind. However we don't need our phones out in class to a) check the time b) see our BFF's snapchat c) tweet about how stupid we think the girl next to us is or d) update our blog on how lame Miss Hansen can be. All of those things will take you out of the learning activity and will not be tolerated. Again, ask first and you will be okay.
So what about extra credit? I don't offer bonus assignments. There will be a few questions here or there on quizzes or tests, and I may develop small (>5 pt) assignments on particular topic. But you cannot turn a C grade into an A the last week of the term by 'writing me a paper.' And typically there are only two types of students who request extra credit: those who don't need it and those who won't do it.
Wow, you sound kinda mean. I structure my class to help you learn. There will be times I ask you to try something that you might actually fail at. That's okay - usually that confusion comes right before you learn something new. That doesn't mean that you will get an 'F' for a grade, we have to practice as something before we are expected to perform on game day. If you are motivated and prepared the class will not be overwhelming. But if you start to slip, I will bug you because I think you can do better. And while I strive for each lesson to be engaging (or, at least relatable), my overarching goal is for you to emerge stronger and more competent in the field of biology.
Can I turn work in late? Usually the answer is no. I'll be busy grading the assignments of the other few hundred students who did turn their work in on time. I make exceptions in some cases if you speak with me about a problem before the due date. Communication is key - excuses are worthless.
But I can work with a friend, right? Yes, if by 'work with' you mean review together and reinforce each other's learning. This kind of collaborative learning is planned and encouraged; it is a study method you will find helpful in college as well. If instead you meant frantically copy the work from 5 minutes before class, no. I might not catch it but when you test over the material that you yourself did not do - it will become apparent to both of us. Your grade won't take a hit from one missed assignment, but if you find this is becoming a habit we need to discuss how to change your study habits.
What about my cell phone? I don't want to see or hear it in class. If I do, that means it has already interrupted our learning process and has demonstrated itself to be a problem. It will simply sit on my desk until the end of class when you can take it with you. There are times where we will use them as I don't mind you googling a quick fact or documenting a lab result when appropriate. The key is to ASK FIRST. About 95% of the time a student asks to use their phone I don't mind. However we don't need our phones out in class to a) check the time b) see our BFF's snapchat c) tweet about how stupid we think the girl next to us is or d) update our blog on how lame Miss Hansen can be. All of those things will take you out of the learning activity and will not be tolerated. Again, ask first and you will be okay.
So what about extra credit? I don't offer bonus assignments. There will be a few questions here or there on quizzes or tests, and I may develop small (>5 pt) assignments on particular topic. But you cannot turn a C grade into an A the last week of the term by 'writing me a paper.' And typically there are only two types of students who request extra credit: those who don't need it and those who won't do it.
Wow, you sound kinda mean. I structure my class to help you learn. There will be times I ask you to try something that you might actually fail at. That's okay - usually that confusion comes right before you learn something new. That doesn't mean that you will get an 'F' for a grade, we have to practice as something before we are expected to perform on game day. If you are motivated and prepared the class will not be overwhelming. But if you start to slip, I will bug you because I think you can do better. And while I strive for each lesson to be engaging (or, at least relatable), my overarching goal is for you to emerge stronger and more competent in the field of biology.