Lesson Report:
**Title:** Midterm Exam Preparation and Review Activities
*Synopsis:*
This class focused on preparing students for the upcoming midterm exam. The instructor shifted away from the planned topic of institutions to emphasize details about the midterm structure, format, and expectations. The exam will be divided into three parts: multiple choice, short answers, and an essay. The class also engaged in a review activity using a Jeopardy-style game to practice key concepts from course materials in a fun and competitive environment. Several logistical issues about the exam were addressed, such as attendance rules and exam behavior, alongside an outline of preparation strategies.
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**Attendance:**
– Absent: Aslan, Bermet, Inayat Khan, Aidai, Khalil.
**Topics Covered:**
1. **Midterm Exam Introduction and Structure:**
– The midterm is scheduled for two days, October 22nd and 24th (week 9).
– Part 1 (Tuesday): Multiple choice (memorizations) + short answer (synthesis).
– Part 2 (Thursday): Essay, focusing on combining knowledge and structuring a 4-5 paragraph response.
– Emphasis on closed book conditions (no electronics or notes allowed).
– Strict rules on attendance: Missing any part without a valid “Spravka” will lead to severe consequences.
2. **Expectations and Strategy for Essay Section:**
– Students will be provided with three different essay prompts (one for each section of the seminar).
– No strict word count, but a typical essay should consist of about four 5-sentence paragraphs.
– Content and critical thinking are prioritized over the number of words.
– Suggestions for preparation include reviewing notes, presentations on e-course, and using a review sheet provided later in the week.
3. **Class Exercise: Jeopardy Review Game**
– Purpose: To review core concepts in preparation for the midterm format, with a focus on both memorization and synthesis.
– Students were divided into eight teams with a mix of point-based questions from categories such as ideology, state characteristics, and political regimes.
– Teams answered questions like, “How does fascism propose to solve societal problems?â€� and “What is the characteristic of the state that refers to enforcing laws through force?â€�
– Key topics from the game included: legitimacy, territoriality, authoritarianism, coercion, liberalism, and conservatism.
4. **Review of Course Content Themes:**
– Review covered central political ideologies including liberalism, socialism, conservatism, and anarchism.
– Core state functions and characteristics such as coercion, legitimacy, and territoriality were also refreshed in preparation for multiple choice and short answer sections of the exam.
**Actionable Items:**
*Midterm Preparation (High Priority):*
– **Attendance Reminder:** Remind students that they must attend both midterm days (October 22nd and 24th); missing without an excused absence (Spravka) will prevent them from retaking.
– **Exam Guidelines:** Reiterate that no notes, books, or electronic devices are allowed during the midterm.
*Homework and Preparations (Medium Priority):*
– **Review Sheet Preparation:** Prepare and distribute the midterm review sheet by the weekend.
– **Action Plan for Students:** Encourage thorough review of notes, presentations, and the upcoming review sheet.
– **Reading Assignment:** Post reading material on institutions (president and legislature) on eCourse, informing students to skim 60 pages for topics relevant to the next class.
*Grading and Follow-ups (Low Priority):*
– **Evaluate Coursework and Responses:** Follow up on the Jeopardy question about fascism and ensure adequate clarification around the use of violence in fascist regimes. Evaluate group performance and participation.
– **Office Hours Availability:** Offer office hours for students needing midterm preparation assistance.
Homework Instructions:
ASSIGNMENT #1: Skim Reading on Institutions
This assignment will review the basics of political institutions, specifically focusing on the roles of the president and the legislature. It is designed to prepare you for the next class discussion and builds on the material that will be part of the upcoming midterm review.
Instructions:
1. Access the reading on eCourse titled “Institutions.”
2. Skim through the text, focusing on sections about the president and the legislature. You do not need to read all 60 pages in detail, but ensure that you understand the key concepts in these sections.
3. Be prepared to discuss the basic functions of the president and legislature in class.
Note: This reading will help with both the class discussion on institutions and midterm preparation.