The satisfaction that comes from learning a new skill is reward enough, so no other rewards are necessary.

Okay, fine. There are some rewards. If everyone follows the big three and conducts themselves according to the basic rules of acting like an adult, then we may be entitled to one (or many) of the following:

  • Movie Day – You know what includes a ton of design and is universally considered art? Movies. Instead of doing something else, we’ll watch a movie, selected by class vote (or by an exceptional student?).
  • You pick the music – Do a good job and you can pick the music we listen to while working. I shouldn’t have to say this, but it has to be clean, “safe for work” music. Other than that, it’s your call.
  • Field trip to somewhere cool – Maybe there’s an interesting art exhibit in town, focusing on pop culture or design. Maybe we go see how t-shirts or neon signs are made. If the class does a good job being professionals who stay on task and finish their projects, then I’ll see about organizing a late-year field trip.
  • Group research – This will make more sense after our first project, but every project requires a little research usually in the form of homework. Professional classes may be rewarded by doing the research in class as a group, so you won’t have to spend as much time defining words and looking up examples on the weekends.
  • And many more! – This isn’t a complete list. There are some surprise rewards available for exceptional students / classes.

Consequences

Don't disappoint everyone. Picard's famous "facepalm" from S"tar Trek: The Next Generation"

Don’t disappoint everyone. Picard’s famous “facepalm” from “Star Trek: The Next Generation”

I’ve mentioned that a portion of your grade will come from your preparation and participation in class. I sincerely hope that’s as far as we’ll have to go with consequences. However, for classes and individuals who can’t conduct themselves in a professional manner, the following may be employed (depending on the severity of the offense):

  • The temporary suspension of ridiculous fun – I want to keep this design class “ridiculously fun”. It’s not fun when someone is getting in trouble. Really, it’s kind of awkward.
  • Reward cancellation – Don’t be the reason we didn’t get to do something cool, as stated above.
  • Being sent to stand in the hall – Really? Who gets sent outside to stand in the hall? Don’t be that person. Keep your comments constructive and don’t argue. Remember – what would happen if this was your job?
  • Detention / Write-up – See that question up there, about your job? Don’t get fired.

If you feel like you might be about to lose your temper or do something to earn yourself a consequence, it’d be better if you asked to be excused for a minute. Take a walk to the restroom and cool off. As long as you act like a professional, you will be treated like one.