"Sunshine assignment" for extra credit

Happy in the sunshine students...Sunshine = Healthy+ Happy+ Creative

During Winter 2019, I was teaching multiple large group classes. Twenty students in each class. They were working on complex projects that required extensive team collaboration and skills management. From entire ad campaigns based on diversity to videos showcasing 10 weeks of research and innovative ideas. Coming upon them was the crucial "last week". The weekend which would be filled with polishing mockups in Photoshop or adding sound or editing in Premier Pro.

The past three weeks of cold weather (32-45* F) with mostly rains and thunderstorms had not helped student morale. I usually begin each class with a quick catchup on what they have been up to and what is going on in the market and in the world. The past week had seen low group enthusiasm. The news of the Coronavirus situation had been coming in too.

While I always recommend ample sleep, warm water, ginger, lemon honey and turmeric to all of them, I decided to go differently this week. The weather was going to be sunny over the coming weekend.  To the students' surprise, I told them about the "Sunshine assignment". It was optional but highly recommended. For 5 points extra credit, they were to send me a photo or a video of themselves out in the sunlight over the weekend. They had to spend some time in the sun.

On Monday morning, my mailbox was filled with these happy faces. Students being recognized as young adults who just want to be happy.

They brought in wonderful work in the coming week. Hopefully, they realise that their physical and mental well-being results in good class morale, strong participation and a healthier environment for all of us. I had one student send me his selfie in front of a sunny beach image on his desktop. He got the extra points for creativity and I hope he makes it to the real sunshine now that classes have concluded.