It was really helpful to hear from the speakers and the members of our group related to all of the great strategies that everyone uses in their classrooms. 

This semester I am planning to have students respond to a discussion board posted before the first day of class where students can share information about themselves and respond to other members of the class.  I also really liked the idea of having students describe the best class they took and why they liked the class so much.  I will also incorporate a midterm survey to get feedback from students. 

With regard to teaching the material in class, I plan to relate the class material (Cognition) to students individual backgrounds.  For example, when talking about brain function and the relationship to behavior, we shouldn’t assume that students feel comfortable with a monistic view.  Based on culture, religion and other factors students might not feel that it is a in line with their belief system.  It becomes important for students to have the opportunity to share their views and comments with the class and I am hoping that this will open up discussions that are inclusive of the entire class and allow for a safe space for students to voice and discuss their feelings.  I also plan to incorporate more visual/auditory based assignments that incorporate students drawing representations and describing information discussed, in class, in their own words.