sustaining a quality education ~ with Nagash Clarke ~
Let them eat cake . . .
I gave my class the option to bring in snacks to share with the entire class. Each week a different group of students sign-up for this.
Nothing brings more joy than the promise of sugar!
Yes most of the snacks are junk food, but students are more relaxed, and for those who skipped lunch, they can focus on the lesson rather than how long the Subway line is going to be before their next class.
Of course this might not work in every class, particularly those with computers or other labs. What if you the teacher position a snack cart outside 30 min prior to class? Students can eat and then go into the lab setting. Or offer them snacks at the end of the session.
This also doesn't have to be a weekly thing. It could be a couple times a semester. However often you like. Nevertheless, when thinking of ways to change things up a bit...let them eat cake!
Nagash Clarke
Chemistry Department
Washtenaw Community College