Report #1
FIPP Activity Report
Funded by the Basic Skills Initiative
Name Dalia R. Juarez
Date Sept. 14, 2009
FIPP Partner Art Martinez
Section #63996
Activity /Strategy Assignment Menu
Category V--Homework
Briefly describe the activity/strategy.
1. Introduction Students were given a list of essay assignments in their syllabus. I
explained to the class that the purpose of the menu was to give them flexibility
and choice in deciding which essays they would turn in. A total of 6 essays
were required for the course and they were given a total of 12 potential
assignments to choose from. The essay assignments were listed in the course
reader.
2. Set up & Supplies Course syllabus which listed the due dates for their essay
portfolios and the course text book "The Composition of Everyday Life"
3. Directions The syllabus listed the 4 days the essay portfolios were due. With
each portfolio students could submit 3-4 essays. They were not required to
submit essays for every portfolio, but they had to be mindful to submit the 6
required essays.
4. Conclusion 98% of the class successfully submitted work. A good portion of the
class submitted at least 1-2 essays at each due date; steadily pacing
themselves. About 10% of the class waited till portfolios 3 and 4 to submit their
work. Regardless of when they submitted their work what I received was
student writing that was exceptional. In past courses I have had a handful of
students turn in really good work with the majority of the class writing to fulfill a
class assignment. This activity gave students so much control over their work
that every essay I read was well crafted.
What worked well? Having the assignments already listed in the syllabus.
What would you change? I would give the students a handout regarding the mechanical
requirements for each writing assignment. This handout would give them more
guidance in writing the assingment. Reminders about purpose, voice, mechanics would
be included
Would you use the activity/strategy again? Why or why not? Most Definitely. This activity
gives students a clearer understanding of self-responsibility.
Please describe any student learning outcomes/changes that you observed after the
implementation of the activity/strategy. I noticed that with each chapter discussion
students read much more carefully and were more engaged in the class discussions. I
believe because each discussion was directly related to the writing assignment students
were trying to figure our whether or not the assignment was one they wanted to work
on. When they chose to write their work was at, or above, the minimum grade
requirement.