BGSU SPRINGBOARD::What happens in class?

Each week students meet as a class to participate in pre-planned activities (see sample activities below) designed to target specific Learning Outcomes. These activities range from impromptu presentations and roundtable discussions to minor writing assignments and community building activities. The Coaches meet with the instructor for 30 minutes prior to each class session to be briefed on the day's activities. Coaches will be present during each exercise, either participating or just being there for support. Following the activities, first-year students and Coaches meet one-on-one to discuss the day’s events and go over strengths and opportunities for advancement.

Survival Game:
Students are given a life-threatening scenario (ex. being stranded on a desert island with no food or water) and are given a list of 12 possible actions they may take in order to survive. These actions are ranked according to what would be done first to what would be done last – first individually, then in groups of 3-4, then as a whole class. The idea is to form a consensus in a large group.

The Artifact:
Class members form groups of 3-4. Each group chooses a fictitious word from a bowl (ex. Asportif) and are asked to imagine they are archeologists who have found an artifact with this word imprinted on it. Student groups create an impromptu presentation detailing the function, purpose and history of the artifact and present it to the entire class. This activity helps students understand the importance of group dynamics.

Values Auction:
Students are given a list of auction items ranging from “International fame & popularity” to “A world free of prejudice.” Each student is given $1,000 to spend on auction items. During the auction, students must consider what they value and what they will bid on to spend their allotted budget. This activity focuses on examining values.