Learning to Risk Effort: Crafting Classroom Environments Conducive to Trying by Colleen Sullivan

Note Taking Issues

csullivan211 — 2025-10-22 18:19:09 UTC

My students are just looking at me and not taking notes at all. Some students giving head nods like they understand and agree but they don't write anything down.

Limited Reading Before Class

csullivan211 — 2025-12-02 16:29:29 UTC

Reading is assigned before class so students to be ready for discussion and active learning. When preparation before class happens, it is great with much interaction and useful questions from unclear text. Limited or no reading can result in quiet classes, limited participation and less engagement.

Flexibility with Deadline

csullivan211 — 2025-12-02 16:29:46 UTC

Getting the students to turn assignments in on time is an important life skill. But, learning the material even if turned in late is also beneficial. With "ungrading" approaches to relaxed due dates from COVID days, it is hard to make a decision and identify the best choice.

Afraid to Make Mistakes

sscripture1 — 2025-12-02 16:29:57 UTC

Learning involves mistakes, effort and work. Fearfulness of those mistakes and extending extra time sometimes results in students not doing the work.

Inappropriate Use of AI...

csullivan211 — 2025-12-02 16:30:39 UTC

We want students' ideas and writing, not a chatbots ideas! The exhaustion of trying to figure out if assignments are the students own work or AI generated is tricky. And then addressing it with the students is hurtful, stressful and just "ick." Questions around trusting students in their effort to complete assignments is exhausting.

"Missing" Motivation

csullivan211 — 2025-12-02 16:31:24 UTC

We bring the excitement and engagement because we love our teaching topics! Some of our students are not sharing the same excitement. We can only be "cheerleaders" for a period of time before we get exhausted. We need help from the student to carry the excitement load.

Inconsistent Attendance

csullivan211 — 2025-12-02 16:31:49 UTC

When students are in the classroom, it is great! They participate, engage and build community. But, then they miss class frequently or stop showing up for weeks. We may reach out, and it is ultimately the students responsibility to be present to support their students.

2025-12-10 15:19:52 UTC

At the beginning of the semester, it is helpful to communicate with students about the purpose of taking the class. Understanding each other can help developing a better lesson plan.

Student feedback on Collaborate, turn and talk?

2025-12-10 15:21:49 UTC

"... Expect to be in awkward group activities that feels more like social experiments than learning."