Second and Third Final

Second was FYC with the M/W group: not as strong, let me tell you. The level of cliche and vague generalization hasn't diminished far enough over the past 16 weeks, even though we've practiced and practiced and practiced. Some students even resorted to the "5-paragraph theme" with its "three points," a genre we've repeatedly discussed as inadequate for college-level thinking. I guess a pressure-situation like an inclass final essay brings out the worst in us: stress is like that.

Third was the Intro to GLBT Studies students: I asked too much of them, relying on their input when they said they wanted to write about how they connected this course to their lives. They wanted to reflect rather than memorize: I get that, but the exam took too long. Some of them will just skip the second part and double the point values of the first part.

Okay, now to do more grading: 15 portfolios left (with 8 essays in each!), 15 final exams (all online), and 21 final essays/projects to read.

The end is in sight.