Work Time in College Comp

I'm always leery of work time in my classes. In my American List if I gave them 15 minutes of work time, that's 15 minutes wasted. In my Comp classes, that's not always true. In fact, most of them write in class. In my College Comp class, though, I decided to try giving them a work day. The results are mixed.

Many frankly asked if they could study for a test next hour. The ones who asked have high grades and I let them. Some are just visiting when they should be working - which explains why they are always behind. So at least I have proof to throw back at them the next time they ask for an extension or have an excuse. But most are working quite diligently.

But what I like most about this work time is that it gives the students a chance to drop their guards a little bit. They joke and laugh. One group of students - who will miss time for baseball and softball - are contemplating their make up essays (they get six absences, regardless of the excuse. After that they have to write a one page essay (of A or B quality) to make up for the time they've missed. This group is now brainstorming topics. I had given them an example of what one student did last semester - 111 things about me. Now this wasn't an essay, but it was better. I learned so much about that student and their unique views. In fact, that student had about 20 different essay topics in their list.

So this group just asked if they could write a list of different text message abbreviations. I said, sure. I'd love a glossary of terms. As long as they list what the abbreviation means. This one could be quite interesting. Another one was wondering if he could write on 111 odd things about people he knew. I said fine as long as he didn't list specific names and kept the subject matter appropriate.

Some of their make up essays may end up being more interesting than their assigned essays.