Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Keeping Students Awake - one approach

This week's Chronicle of Higher Education has a number of interesting items, amongst which is an article describing Texas A&M's introduction of bonus payments based on teaching quality based on student evaluations. Needless to say this has not been lacking in controversy.

The other, slightly lighter item is that one US professor has a novel way of keeping students awake in class. He has replaced the chairs in class with exercise/pilates balls! Nodding off could result in a severe headache as you crash to the floor.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Via Stephen Downes, the New York Times has an article about special desks for school children, allowing them the option of standing up or sitting down during class. Apparently it empowers children, by giving them choice, but also improves focus and concentration. Who said children have to sit still in class?