Participation Points

As the weeks go by, I find myself more and more confused while sitting in English class every day. Everyone knows about discussion participation points, but it seems that these points are becoming more and more elusive as the year progresses. For example, this week, I found myself talking an overly obnoxious amount of times, and still only received a 13/15 for my points. Now, given, this is a good score, but since alot of us have voiced concern over this issue, I felt that since I talk so much in class, I should be the one to talk about this issue.
                                              
  Ms. Serensky, please refresh us on the point system? There have been many rumors. I have heard that you only give a 1/4 point if you don't use a quote, and then I have heard that you take points away from someone if they say something dumb or if we cut off another person? Pleeeease Ms. Serensky, enlighten us!! I have no objection to your points system, but just am increasingly confused. I know that many of my classmates have said they would rather just write the one-page paper for missing class rather than coming to class, because the discussions can be so stressful.
    Also, how much is too much? Do you take points off if someone takes too much time away from other people to talk? I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO DO!! Ah! this is causing me alot of stress. I understand that adding a quote to your comment probably automatically gives you the full points, but got any other tips for us? Any ways to help us not attack eachother for that precious 20 seconds of speaking time each student covets on average 3-4 times a class period? Please help Ms. Serensky!

Sugar Rush

This past week, with the numerous poetry teachings, we were all given large quantities of candy, as a reward for doing what we normally do in English class, which is discuss. I find this very ironic. I think that all the students who used candy as a prize in their demonstrations, secretly were trying to convey a message to Ms. Serensky. Although Serensky's tactic of just intimidating looks, and the occasional nod that can make a students whole week, do work at aiding in class discussions, the candy could  be a more positive way to get kids to talk. I've decided to make pros and cons for giving out candy instead of discussion points.


PROS:
-its delicious
-its a little distraction, allowing your mind to take a short break to think about other ideas
-looking down and seeing a piece appear next to your arm is an excellent little surprise
-we would all have better grades if it was candy instead of points
-relieves stress

CONS
-rotting teeth
-not able to fit through the door
-eventually crashing every day and not being able to function?

In all, I believe the candy was a great enlightenment to our classes. Ms. Serensky, I would greatly salute you if you were to partake in candy giving. May I also suggest friday candy giving? It could make discussions much more interesting?