Class-generated project airs on local access TV station

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Some classes present findings in front of classmates during final
presentations.

Other groups – like Political Science 101: Political Behavior – go
before the world on television.

Temporary Political Science professor Chris Petras had his class
spend their semester putting together cable access shows dealing with
Michigan’s economy, gas prices, term limits for public office and the
lack of young voters voting.

His PSC 101, 210 and 327 classes had to research a topic and create
a half-hour show. Within each class, different groups were in charge of
various responsibilities, such as conducting research, writing a
script, working the camera and overseeing the project.

The students were challenged because they had to work on the project
outside of class.

“It’s really class-generated with occasional intervention,” Petras
said.

Petras said he knew beforehand the project was going to be a
challenge. Throughout the semester he encouraged students to stop and
reflect on their progress.

He also offered the opportunity for the students to change groups
and positions.

“You kind of start attacking when you’re supposed to be working
together,” Rochester Hills junior Katie Cahill said.

In addition to learning teamwork, students had a chance to network
and meet people within the business.

“I’m surprised and happy we could do this. It feels good you’re
taking a class and benefiting from it,” Katherine Grice, Boyne City
junior, said.

Cahill and Grice’s group put together a show concerning public
office term limits. It was something they both said the public was not
familiar with. A part of their research included interviewing experts.

The groups also were trained and certified in the production of a
show.

Graduate assistant Gayle Alberda got to know the students on a
personal level as she made sure the students received training and
helped with the communication between the smaller groups. She said
these are skills that they will take to the workplace.

“They should be very proud of themselves,” the Mount Pleasant
graduate said.

The shows are set to air sometime during the third week of December
on Channel 3 of Charter Cable.