Then there is the introductory class that meets once a week for the semester and the reason for today's pet peeve rant.
I had two students show up today wanting to get into the class on the third week! It makes me crazy! Even though the class has 200 kids in it there is alot we do to get that class off the ground because it is much more than a lecture format. For instance, there are 12 upperclassmen who serve as TA's for that class to mentor: a) incoming freshmen, b)those who are doing a change of degree from one program across campus to ours, and c) those who want to check out the major to see if want to change later. It takes a great deal of work to break the class up into smaller sections that are then assigned TA's. We also orient students as to what is expected of them in the class and how to succeed, and form the partnership between them and TA's. We also had an assignment today to prepare kids to succeed in their careers and future assigments. And so much more...
And then two kids meet me at the start of class and want to be signed in oblivious to what has transpired in the first two classes -- regardless of the policy that makes it clear that students can join in the first two weeks at the latest or wait til next year. I think what angers me most is that students are reducing the classes they have to take to boxes that have to be ticked like some damn scavenger hunt on the way to get a degree. And that they are imposing a great inconvenience on those professors they are now lobbying to let them into class late. It makes me crazy!
Am I wrong? Anyone out there thinking I should kindler and gentler and let kids enter at this point in time? Or do you concur?
2 comments:
I teach in format that is crazy it is an open entry open exit so any student any time can register. I have students coming and going at all times in all areas. Is it a model to follow?? It is like an apprenticeship program on steroids. It is crazy all the time. Is good? Is it Bad?? Not sure?? I know it is a lot of work, and a lot of management.
Do I think your wrong? Well what is your purpose? Is the purpose of your class to find the rules live in the rules have no creativity not try to explore. Take no for an answer? Is your purpose in the class how to manage difficult situations answer difficult problems and deal with difficult people?
I am always amazed at the education system we have. For example I want you as a student to come at this time learn this material, answer this question this way fit inside this box earn these letters behind you name. Sounds like Manufacturing is what we are training them for, or even better a sam's club cashier that has the computer tell them that they messed up and wait for a manager to fix the problem. Then when you get out of our brick and mortar school I want the student to be successful in that same manner? Is this why so many succeed without an education. Is this why trades can earn just as much money? Is this why my plumber cost my 130 on the weekend and an electrician 60 buck on normal day. While I am satisfied as an educator with a MS and making only the fraction amount and with school loans to pay off?
Maybe the problem is that the schools although claim poverty can stuff 200 hundred students into a classroom charge 300 for the class teacher earn a salary so the cost of the teacher is a fraction of the 200 students. They have heating and cooling cost. But does that add up to the tuition for the 200 students?
From my Manufacturing class is sound like you are a great product Manager and you are getting overwhelmed by all the widgets you have created, and you JIT manufacturing needs to start on the shipments along with you sales need to increase. :)
What a loaded question you have set out for feedback.
Rex
You are right, I need to chill. Great post in response :)
Mick
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