Academic Discussion · Set 7

Your professor is teaching a class on education. Write a post responding to the professor's question. Contribute your own opinion and reasons, and add to the discussion.

Professor Bello: Some universities are considering whether to make attendance at lectures optional, since recordings are available online. Do you think lecture attendance should be required? Why or why not?

Student (Mei): I think attendance should be optional. Students learn in different ways, and some concentrate better watching recordings at their own pace. For example, I focus much better watching a recorded lecture at double speed late at night than sitting in a crowded hall in the morning.

Student (Diego): I disagree. Being physically present keeps students engaged and allows them to ask questions and interact with classmates, which recordings cannot replace. For example, in my seminar, the best discussions happen when a classmate asks an unexpected question that the recording could never anticipate.

Write a response of at least 100 words. State your position clearly, give reasons and an example, and refer to a classmate's point where relevant.