As the term moves from the shared enthusiasm of Week 1 to the anxiety and
fatigue leading into final exams, what happens in the classroom will shift,
sometimes in unexpected ways.  For the seminar on 11/19, we will consider
factors that contributed to this shift and identify ways to promote the best
learning environment possible for the rest of the term.  To prepare for this
conversation, please brainstorm about and write down responses to the
questions below.  These will be used as the basis for our discussion.

How has the class climate, rapport among yourself and the students, and other
factors shifted/grown/taken shape up to this point?

What patterns have you noticed in students' study skills or levels of
preparedness for class?  What patterns have you noticed?

What strategies have you tried thus far to maintain the motivation and
concentration levels in the students?  Which have been most successful? Which
have been less successful?  For those that haven't worked, what factors
contributed to their inefficacy?

How has your process of preparing for class changed so far?  What is your
routine?  What data do you have that indicate the process is effective? What
data do you have that point to possible areas for change?

What questions or ideas do you have regarding helping students gear up for
final exams?