Listicles

McCrystal, E. and Migliaccio, C. (2017, 31 July). 10 Reasons the Listicle Is Effective for Digital Pedagogy. Educause review. http://er.educause.edu/articles/2017/7/10-reasons-the-listicle-is-effective-for-digital-pedagogy
The authors say "The listicle is a strong pedagogical method for faculty to communicate with students, either about the curriculum, through specific assignments/goals, or regarding technology use in the course. Furthermore, students can use the listicle to synthesize information, organize information, and prioritize course tasks. On the surface, the listicle may seem simplistic, but the broad pedagogical power of the listicle helps students by enhancing their reading, researching, writing, and digital-media skills. Thus, the listicle serves as an effective tool in any classroom."

To be honest, I'm not totally convinced (aren't these just ... short lists? does calling them listicles really have a magic motivating effect on students?) but at any rate it made me think about the place of lists in teaching, and what to call them. In fact it also made me think I might have the odd listicle on this blog, so watch this space.
Photo by Sheila Webber: Blackheath, the heath, August 2017