It’s the second class of the quarter and attendance was at 100% again. (Admittedly one student joined on Zoom but life happens. They joined their randomly assigned workgroup in a zoom breakout room and it seemed to work fine.)
I am again using the randomly generated lists to call on students rather than asking for volunteers. They know the order in advance and can mentally prepare for their turn. I distributed the list on the class Discord server, figuring at least one person in each group will have access if needed, and I wrote it on the whiteboard.
In my class, there is no penalty for “passing,” help from your group mates is encouraged, and if a question is passed 3 times, I will answer it. Everyone gets the opportunity to contribute (even if they don’t want to) and no one can dominate.
After class, nine students joined me at the Teaching and Learning Center for drop-in hours. We got to use the Chihuly room—named for the Red Chinook Chandelier by Dale Chihuly hanging from the ceiling. We got to know one another and chatted about problems from the first homework (due at midnight tonight). They were already sharing contact information and forming study groups.
Does this mean we are finally back to normal? Not yet, I think. This seems to be a honeymoon period where we are extra appreciative of the opportunity to work together. I hope it lasts all quarter long.
What a joy!
Cover photo: Just the tip of the Red Chinook Chandelier in UW Tacoma’s Chihuly room.
Math in the Time of Corona 