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While Dr. Collins wasn't a very difficult instructor I really question whether this class has prepared me for higher level teacher education classes or not. The class gets very boring after the first two weeks because each class consists of a combination of the following things:
#1-Take some brief notes off an overhead projector
#2-Get into groups and talk about discussion questions in the book (which he considers "going over the chapter")
#3-Get into your groups to develop a presentation to give to the class
Most days you follow 1 & 2, but when he assigns projects in mid-semester then you can tack on 3 to the list as well. All of this makes the class very predictable and VERY boring.
As far as the grading goes, you have what seems to be lots of assignments, but Dr. Collins doesn't grade hard at all. You have three 40 question multiple choice tests worth 20 points each, but Dr. Collins gives you all of the questions (120+) beforehand and you can look up the answers in the book, memorize them, and then take the test in like 3 minutes. You also have to write three papers for your teacher portfolio: a philosophy of education paper, an observation summary, and diversity paper all worth 20 points each and they must be uploaded online to count for credit. In addition, you must do your 15 hours of observations (which a LOT of people in my class didn't do) and submit summary sheets worth 20 points. You then have a group project over any education topic you want (WARNING: You don't get to pick your group) that includes a 12-15 page paper and then your oral presentation worth 40 points combined. Finally, you have to turn in a portfolio at the end of the semester containing all of your work which is worth 20 points.
Dr. Collins, though, has a tight grading scale and for him a 93-100 is an A. Therefore, out of the 200 points offered in the class you need to get 186 to get an A. However, since he doesn't grade hard you really have to screw up not to get one. Just put forth some effort and do the assignments early because he doesn't give deadlines for anything except at the end of the semester. I did all of my stuff early and was stress free through this class.
Attendance is also mandatory. You can miss up to 2 classes but after that then you get points deducted from your final grade. Thus, while this might not be a class you want to go to, you need to for that reason.
My opinion is in the middle about Dr. Collins. He was funny and a little silly but the class was a huge drag on my semester not because it was difficult, but because it was boring. In fact, this class has me questioning whether I want to go into teacher education or not, but I think I'll just have to get through it.
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