1. How Fantasy Football saved Congress: Active Learning through a Congressional Drafting Game Jennifer J. Hora Assistant Professor of Political Science Valparaiso University

2. What is Fantasy Congress? Drafting game Teams of Members of Congress Online/Not Online Spring 2007, (online version) Spring 2009, (offline version)

3. Handout Congress Syllabus Page 2: FC is 25% of entire grade Pages 4 & 5: schedule of readings and assignments Pages 6 & 7: Detailed assignments Rules of Draft (page 8) FC Scoring (page 9) Portfolio Checklist (page 10)

4. Excel Sheet Example:

5. Logistics Class size: 16-21 Easily up to 40 75 minute classes Collect most (but not all) assignments

6. Assignment Feedback 1. Day it is due, from other students and me 2. Written from me 3. Oral from me to the entire class

7. Highlights Research supports active learning: knowledge public speaking skills Apply theories quality and enthusiastic participation. Does not sacrifice area content. Jigsaw Puzzle exercise.

8. Highlights (cont.) Typical Congress Members covered Eliminates the authority on Congress Simulation Success!