For a student to get the most out a course, he or she must attend class. It is
crucial that one attend as many classes as possible to learn the information
being taught. If a student does not attend class, how is he or she going to
learn the new material? It is also crucial for a student to participate in class.
Just because someone is physically sitting in a classroom, does not mean
they are mentally there. The best way for a student to learn is for them to
speak up in class and participate in the discussions that take place. Another
way for a student to get the best out of a lecture is to have a positive
attitude. A positive attitude not only helps them to keep an open mind, it
also helps the instructor to feel welcome and comfortable as well.
As stated at the beginning of the semester, a student can only miss two days
of class before five points are deducted from his or her class participation
grade. It also states that after eight unexcused absences he or she will
receive an “F” in the course because of missing 25% of the classes
throughout the semester. During the semester I had two unexcused
absences. I cannot remember the exact days; however I know that one day I
missed because I was working on my largest design project of the semester.
I wanted to do some finishing touches on the presentation layout; therefore I
was unable to attend class that morning. The other day I missed class was
because I wasn’t feeling the best, and wanted to rest. I had one other
absence, when Ashley Kaisershot and I were guest lecturers for the freshman
ENVD 172 class. We were asked to sit in on the freshman presentations and
help Kaarin Lindquist and her teaching assistants give helpful feedback and
criticism. I sent you an E-mail previously in the semester about us missing
that day, and I hope that it does not count as a missed absence for the two
of us.