Ruth and Claire discuss making exceptions in class requirements for students. Examples include taking overlapping classes, taking too many units and skipping prereqs. Ruth finds it helps to be flexible and consider each case individually. Claire is very specific about the workload required by the student to make the exception work. Ruth is working on turning down student requests for exceptions. Claire is working on conveying the message that taking more units is not a successful approach.

Ruth and Claire want to focus on one thing at a time. Claire sets intentions to do only one thing at a time during the summer. She wants to hold on to that intention during the semester. Ruth knows that doing one thing at a time works for her, but what should she do when life situations distract her?

Ruth and Claire discuss encouraging students. Ruth recognizes that she often needs extra encouragement and reassurance and this helps her be more empathetic towards her students. Claire reminds students who don’t recognise their successes by recalling evidence of their achievements. Ruth is working on maintaining boundaries necessary in leadership while providing encouragement. Claire is considering implementing a ‘no self deprecation’ policy and inviting students to ‘re-phrase’.

Ruth mentioned: Maintenance Phase and You’re wrong about.

Ruth and Claire just got tenure! Ruth appreciated the level of detail in her review letters. In her application, Claire carefully matched her materials to the tenure review criteria. Ruth wants to help other people going through the tenure process. Claire is excited to have more freedom for experimentation in her teaching and research.

Ruth has changed her mind and now believes that you can connect with students online. Claire finds that synchronous video chat lectures using Gathertown worked well for her. Ruth wants to better facilitate the gathering of students outside of class to work on group projects. Claire is working on student engagement and interaction during lecture time.

Ruth mentioned: The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

Claire mentioned: Gathertown

Ruth and Claire discuss Assigning Letter Grades. Claire appreciates grade flexibility and assigns as many A’s, B’s, etc. as she wants with no quotas. Ruth does not assign C-minuses. Claire is working on managing grade inflation. Ruth is working on weighting grades for effort versus understanding.

Claire mentioned: Jen Sincero: You Are a Badass

Claire has lots of projects in her class and finds they give students opportunities to bloom. She is wondering about how to enhance student collaboration on project work. Ruth knows that projects really have a positive impact on student learning but how can you cover all the material when projects take more time?

Ruth and Claire discuss Clubs. Ruth has had success with creating spaces for students to gather. She is wondering about gaining a critical mass to have clubs be sustainable over time. Claire is excited about their department club which is a very energetic, informative and fosters community. She wants to be conscious about sharing information about opportunities with them.

Claire mentioned her and Ralph's brand new music release: https://open.spotify.com/album/2huB3xk50lvuQGlnzH9b17?si=7HWqXOtpRPSGVky6GNjlNA Here's a review of the first song: alt77.com/ralphclaire-and-fairhazel-release-brand-new-singles

Ruth and Claire discuss Derek Sivers’ Hell Yeah or No. Claire has had recent decision making success by asking herself this question. Ruth finds that she is turning things down from necessity but wants to say no before the point of exhaustion. Claire is wondering what constitutes a “Hell Yes” for her because sometimes she has too many!

Claire mentioned: Hell Yeah or No by Derek Sivers: https://sive.rs/hellyeah

Ruth and Claire discuss ending the semester. Claire makes her syllabus for next semester during finals week and loves it. Ruth is not working with research students this summer and is optimistic about having a break. Claire likes to prepare herself for the abrupt schedule change that summer brings. Ruth is trying to protect her break by turning down things even if they are interesting.

Claire mentioned her and Ralph's brand new music release: https://open.spotify.com/album/2huB3xk50lvuQGlnzH9b17?si=7HWqXOtpRPSGVky6GNjlNA Here's a review of the first song: alt77.com/ralphclaire-and-fairhazel-release-brand-new-singles