There is a very structured, repetitive format to the class, which makes it easy but unbearable for some, or just plain unbearable for others. Even the school is 1:1 (every student is issued a Chromebook), Randall does not utilize the Chromebook in any way. Everything is done on paper. Every chapter, you begin by writing vocab (you go through the chapter and write all of the book definitions, and then all of your own. Even though you have no prior knowledge or haven't been taught, these personal definitions must be right (you could also give an example). Then, you read section one, do 'chunking' which is a form of notes, then guided reading, which is answering specific questions about what you read, then you will do the book questions (the questions from inside the textbook), then you take notes, then you take a "five point formative assessment" as he calls it. Rinse and repeat for each section of the chapter. By the end of the chapter, you will do the review (required) where you write the definition of each vocab word for the fourth or fifth time (and no, you cannot just turn in the vocab sheet from the beginning of the chapter). There are also some questions to answer. If you pay attention in his class, you will have an easy time with the work. It's not hard, it's just work, and a TON of work. Busywork. The main reason students fall behind in this class is that there is just so much work to do. That is frustrating, but the most frustrating thing about his class, and he himself is how he grades. Even if you understand everything perfectly, if you don't meet his often-invisible criteria, you will get points off. He loves marking you down for the most insignificant things. Did I mention that for the notes, he makes you copy what he shows on the projector line for line, word for word, and if what you have deviates in any way from his, he will mark you down. He also doesn't make the notes available if you missed something or couldn't write everything down in time. He makes you take a picture or copy someone else's. He doesn't even care if they were wrong in their notes, he still marks you down for their mistake, even if you were gone the day you took the notes.
