You finish class with a short group exercise. First you have them individually think through the best and worst classes they've taken in pattern magic, then write down what they thought made the classes succeed or fail. Then you group them up, have each group member introduce themself, and discuss their individual answers. Finally, you have each group combine their answers and report on them to the class. You write their answers on the whiteboard for everyone to see.
"First homework assignment," you announce at the end of the class. You tap the whiteboard. "Take these good and bad elements. With them in mind, make a list of the individual actions you'll take to do well in this course. Then make a second list of what actions you'd like to see me take, as well as your fellow students. Send it to me in the online system."
As the students file out, you take stock of how it went. It's only the first day, but you're thrilled with how class went. You're excited for the semester to come.
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