Ahem! Could I have your attention please?

The title of this post is my way of hoping you will notice an observation and point I'd like to make. I've noticed something in ALL of my 1102 classes.

1. I'm almost positive that just about everyone in all classes has read the book we're studying. How do I know this? It's the way you respond in class, whether out loud or even silently. It's the alertness in you eyes, whether you say anything or not - unless you're hiding behind a laptop, with a ballcap or hoodie pulled down over your eyes OR you're reading a book or texting behind your coat that you've put over your books. (Nah . . . I'd NEVER suspect that. Riiiight.) At any rate, I DO appreciate your interaction in class. It makes the class better for everyone.

2. I've noticed that even though you've read the book and you have thoughts and observations, that when I ask you a direct question that requires evidence from the novel, that often you stare at me blankly. It's a silent, "What?" or "Duh . . . I don't know. You tell me; you're the teacher." And let's hope I do know the answer. ;-) BUT . . . what you need to be doing is LOOKING IN YOUR BOOK FOR THE EVIDENCE. I don't expect you to know it off the cuff, but I DO expect to to find the page and paragraph--or at least make the effort.