Jessamyn Neuhaus is the author of Geeky Pedagogy, a witty and critically reflective narrative guide to effective teaching practices written for super-smart intellectuals, introverts, nerds, wonks, and geeks in academia who want to translate their scholarly expertise into student learning.
Sample Assignments
When it’s time to assess learning, we should be using mechanisms that 1.) inspire curiosity and engagement in students and 2.) do not make us want to gouge our eyes out. To encourage authentic student learning and to maintain my own pedagogical energy, I often use nontraditional assignments and grading structures. To see a bibliography of readings and resources on nontraditional assessments and un-grading go to “Geeky Grading Bibliography.” For three examples of nontraditional assignments I’ve used IRL, see below.
zombies in pop culture: annotated fiction
This assignment for an upper level history seminar requires students to choose a topic about popular representations of zombies and complete research on the historical and cultural significance of that topic, including primary source research. Then, building on historical themes and issues in previous pop culture representations, they write an annotated short story/work of fiction drawing on their research. To download a PDF of a sample assignment and rubrics, click the button directly below labeled “Zombie Fiction.”
The Apocalypse in u.S. pop culture: product pitch
This assignment for an upper level history seminar asks students to imagine that they are an author, artist, programmer, musician, screenwriter, or producer with a fantastic idea for a television show, film, graphic novel, video game, website, album, or some other pop culture product which features an apocalypse of some kind. This research-based project tasks them with “pitching” their product idea to a private funding company, “The Pop History Fund,” which invests in entertainment to projects that can show a clear connection to historically significant trends in American popular culture. To download a PDF of assignment details, click the button directly below labeled “Apoc Product.”
U.S. Civilization since 1877: The “american promise” unessay
Ready to really shake things up? You might want to try the unessay, an innovative way to assess student learning without relying on the soul-deadening 5-paragraph essay or standardized exam. Download an unessay assignment PDF I use in my U.S. history survey (introductory) class by clicking the button directly below labeled “Promise Unessay.”