Ruth and Claire discuss writing Letters of Recommendation. Claire has an organization system that is working for her, of submitting recommendations quickly as they come in, and of putting all the students’ lists of where they are applying, due dates, and how to submit the letters in an email folder. Ruth has a similar system for organization using a Google spreadsheet. Claire is working on getting the letter started early: shortly after the student requests the letter, rather than shortly before the letter is due. Ruth is working on the content of the letter and making them specific for each student, and is also wondering how to say no to requests for letters.

Claire mentioned the American Journal of Undergraduate Research: http://www.ajuronline.org/

Ruth and Claire discuss Finals. Ruth’s final exam is a combination of a third midterm on the new material with a general question that revisits some problem areas from earlier in the semester. Claire is finding her review days before the finals to be engaging and interactive for the students. Ruth is wondering about the difficulty level of her final - is it ok for it to be easier than the midterms? Claire is trying to direct students towards crucial topics for review by telling them some of the topics that will be tested.

Ruth and Claire discuss Student Workload. Claire finds it helpful to have regular assignments each week and also likes to lighten the assignment load towards the end of the semester. Ruth is being flexible with due dates this semester in particular. Claire is working on the size of her assignments: more smaller ones or fewer larger ones? Ruth is struggling with the balance of assignments as a learning tool and easing the student workload.

Ruth and Claire discuss their approaches to Fall Break. Claire completely leaves Fall Break out of her assignment schedule so has no work expectations for students. Ruth is encouraging students to get work done before the break but is flexible if they need to work over break instead. Claire is thinking of implementing an earlier mini break to combat burnout. Ruth is working on getting momentum back after the break. Ruth mentioned The Once and Future Witches by Alix E Harrow: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49504061-the-once-and-future-witches.

Ruth and Claire discuss Academic Dishonesty. Ruth is battling with an online service that enables cheating, but has found you can request and receive student names from them. Claire finds it is working to set a culture with an expectation for honesty, while still checking suspicious answers. Ruth is struggling with adopting policies that don’t match her teaching values. Claire is working on finding the balance in talking about cheating; too much might give the impression that cheating is rampant.

Ruth and Claire discuss Gumption in their teaching practice. Ruth finds it works well when she feels confident in her teaching approach. Claire finds that her confidence is increasing over time, she feels more comfortable saying she doesn’t know or offering some suggestions related to the question asked. Ruth worries about students not taking her seriously if she is vulnerable and open with them. Claire is working on convincing students that with practice they can solve things as easily as she does.

Ruth and Claire are excited to interview two editors of the Underrepresentation Curriculum, Moses Rifkin and Johan Tabora. The Underrepresentation Curriculum is an excellent resource that supports educators in leading discussions about race and underrepresentation by providing modules they can pick and choose from. Moses and Johan tell us about the value of having conversations in the classroom about underrepresentation, and share how their educational journeys have shaped their contributions to the materials provided by the Underrepresentation Curriculum. This curriculum is available at https://underrep.com/

Ruth and Claire discuss Group Work. Claire likes the balance of having about a quarter to a third of the lectures be fully group work. Ruth is having success with setting expectations about participation. Claire is working on having groups report back to the class about their approach to the problems. Ruth is working on managing group dynamics by possibly adopting rotating roles for students.

Ruth and Claire return to discussing Virtual Teaching. Claire finds it is working to have individual due dates on Canvas for students. Ruth is finding it satisfying to see her online course developing and is finally coming to terms with organization. Cliare is working on connection with students. Ruth is struggling with student engagement with the materials.

Ruth and Claire discuss dealing with ‘Off the Wall Questions’. Claire finds it helpful to make it clear that this is a side point so everyone won’t get derailed. Ruth finds she is getting more comfortable and less easily thrown off course with years of teaching. Claire is working on encouraging those questions to be asked in office hours. Ruth is working on how to shut down the more random questions without discouraging questions overall.