Tim, A couple of other possibilities. I'd recommend the following schedule: Monday--introduce TBL Wednesday--Form groups (of 6 & 7) and give a demonstration/practice RAT over your syllabus. Friday--add to your smaller groups if needed (from you adds) and set the grade weights. Monday--add to your smaller groups if needed (from you adds); give RAT #1. I'd announce two things on Friday: --if you decide to drop, send me an e-mail --if you know someone who is likely to add, let them know about RAT #1. If students show up for the first time on Monday unprepared for the RAT, I explain that the class is off and running and, if they decide to stay, they will have to take the RAT and the "lumps", however small, that are likely to come from not having prepared. Good luck and keep us posted Larry ----- Larry K. Michaelsen Professor of Management University of Central Missouri Dockery 400G Warrensburg, MO 64093 [log in to unmask] 660/429-9873 voice <---NEW ATT cell phone 660/543-8465 fax >>> Tim Connors <[log in to unmask]> 07/05/10 12:17 PM >>> I have been baby-stepping my way into TBL over the past year but now feel like "going all the way." I could use some advice/examples on how to implement a couple of things I have not yet done. The class I will be doing this with is an upper division undergraduate course in theatre history that is required of all theatre majors and minors (virtually the entire class will be majors or minors). The first of these is grading. Up to now I have pre-determined the grading system: 70% individual; 20% team; 10% team maintenance. I want to allow the class to determine the grading this Fall. Would it be out of line for me to establish a minimum % for each of these (e.g., minimum of 50% individual, 10% team, and 5% team maintenance)? If I don't establish minimums, what kind(s) of issues might I anticipate? How are stalemates resolved? Also, drop/add for the class won't be over until after the third class session (course is MWF, 50-minutes per class). It seems unfair to wait until the 4th class session (after the deadline to drop) to determine the grading system. And I have an "intro to teams" activity I want to use during the first week. Should I make temporary teams for grading and the first activity, or make permanent teams and hope that a bunch of people from one team don't drop? And, lastly, does anyone have a student handout and/or intro to TBL presentation they use in your first class session that you would be willing to share? Thanks very much. Tim Timothy D. Connors Professor of Theatre Central Michigan University Office/Voice: 989-774-3815 Fax: 989-774-2498