Edit syllabus so that the discussion grade is "class participation" grade. Allow multiple avenues for students to achieve that ranging from contributing to the class glossary, contributing to the course "recommended readings" list, participating in class discussions, writing answers to questions for a reading, attending a seminar or other activity and writing up (or videoing) how it related to biodiversity and processes/patterns discussed in class.
Edit syllabus so that the discussion grade is "class participation" grade. Allow multiple avenues for students to achieve that ranging from contributing to the class glossary, contributing to the course "recommended readings" list, participating in class discussions, writing answers to questions for a reading, attending a seminar or other activity and writing up (or videoing) how it related to biodiversity and processes/patterns discussed in class.