I have 150 students each quarter, in 6 classes, 4 different course topics and at 3 different campuses. Each day I encounter students with many of the frustrations described in this session. I start out all my classes with a time for "class news". This is where I give my students an opportunity to talk about anything going on with them since the last time we met. We set a time limit for this "venting". Usually students find something positive to talk about, but many do find it a great opportunity to unburden themselves with no fear of repercussions.
