This assignment started out by requiring me to read all of the other chat groups’ summaries of their unit 3 chats. Next, we had to reply to the group that identified challenges and solutions most similar to our group. Finally, we had to reply to the group that identified challenges and solutions least similar to our group.
The group I responded to that was the most similar was group Y, including Brittany, Erin, and Subin. Their 3 challenges were large lecture format, textbook prices, and tuition prices. My group’s 3 challenges were textbook prices, class size, and lack of sleep, although tuition price was one of the problems we tried to address, but could not think of a realistic solution.
For textbooks, we had similar ideas to gives students access to free, online textbooks. They also brought up the option of cheap, hands-on textbooks which I thought was a good idea.
For large lecture format, it was a great idea that they had to use quiz questions in class to make sure the students were keeping up with the material. Both their group and our group agreed that online learning in some capacity could help solve this issue.
For tuition, they decided their solution was to cut it in half. While I liked their ambition, I have no idea how they expected to make this work, as they didn’t provide any ideas of how to achieve this goal.
However, overall, group Y identified similar challenges as well as similar solutions! I think they did a great job.
The group I responded to that was the least similar was group Z, with Holly, Stella and Valerie. Their 3 challenges were over-reliance on lecturing, classes that don’t take place during optimal learning times, and laptop misuse during lecture.
For over-reliance on lectures, their solutions included workshops or training sessions for professors, and brief in-class discussion periods. I thought that these were great ideas, just very unrelated to what was discussed in my group.
For class times taking place when optimal for students, the solutions included having multiple lecture time options. Once again, I think this was a solid idea. It somewhat relates to our lack of sleep problem, where we want classes to start later in the day to ensure a good night of rest.
For laptop misuse during class, their best solution was to have a campus-wide requirement that laptop users be designated to a certain part of the lecture hall. Although I didn’t see this as a huge issue on campus, it is an effective solution, as I have seen it done in certain courses.
Reflecting on this assignment, it reflects yet another example of distributed learning. This is the fourth or fifth assignment regarding college challenges. Reading about the issues as well as the solutions will allow me to think about these issues, talk to others about them, and retain the information for a long time.
Additionally, it was valuable to respond to groups that were the most familiar as well as the least familiar. Often times, we are drawn to those who are similar to us, but interacting with those with different opinions allows us to grow as people and see things from new perspectives.
This assignment was fairly quick and fairly simple, so there is not very much detail to add. However, it was still good to complete, and allowed me to compare opinions and interact with others!
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