Though there was much criticism on the ethical behavior of this certain professor to go "under cover" and explore college life, I really enjoyed learning about her findings. From understanding the World view of our universities and college students, to understanding why college students are so busy! From dorm life to real life, this book really captures it all.
I have been able to think over this semester about the many complexities that college life offers. I had experienced much of the cultural norm myself. From "getting out of the house", to "I didn't have time to read that paper", and "my alarm didn't go off this morning". There are so many external pressures on today's college students, that it's a wonder many of us are able to come out and demonstrate our abilities. And, though I don't know the statistics, but many college athletes are on high doses of anti-depressants. I'm sure this goes for just college students in general, too.
Since we are accustomed to designing our own schedules, and being able to move freely (housing, friends, careers), what is going to happen to our big Fortune 500 companies? Our Ma & Pa shops if there isn't anyone consistent and devoted?
So what's the point and something to ponder...
"If one does forget the details of information from a semester ago, and if the technical material you learn in your major will likely be obsolete in five years, and if you will probably change careers several times in your lifetime anyhow, then what is worth learning?"
I've enjoyed reading this book and being able to share my thoughts with everyone! "See" you next semester!
Shawna
Friday, August 5, 2011
The Art of College Management
What the author proceeded to learn as a college student, I could closely relate to. She learned some of the reasons why students did not do the readings or articles that she had assigned, why students scrambled to write papers the day before they were due, and why sometimes students cheat. She also learned why some students in her Anthropology class had never even heard of it before, let alone know what it was.
With the rising costs of living and tuition, many students are forced to work paying jobs in addition to their studies. This cuts back on study time. Each semester students are searching to create a "perfect" schedule, filling all of their time they allow for classes, and the classes must meet certain criteria, such as "an easy A" or fulfilling an Arts & Letters course.
When she exists student life, and re-enters teaching life, she genuinely revised her syllabus to meet the needs of modern college student culture. She gave value to the readings that she wanted her students to read, by making sure they were tested on them in some form (quizzes, exams, discussion). I believe she opened up her office hours, because she now understood that students are leaving her class and rushing across campus to catch another class, or catch a bus to take them to work.
She also made a valid point, that students, like many professors, have no idea what goes on in the daily world of the other. Majority of students are clueless as to how much preparation teachers put into a course, the politics in university life, the research they conduct, and the committees they serve on.
Closing thoughts on the chapter:
As we grow up (age and intelligence) we start to realize the value of others and how important learning truly is. The college culture between a freshman and a senior greatly differ. A senior is no longer quiet in class and will visit the professor during office hours. Partying becomes less of a priority, as classes progressively get harder and the reality of entering the "real world" sinks in. We are so fortunate to be able to grow along this spectrum in America, and be able to share such luxuries of having fun and learning at the same time.
With the rising costs of living and tuition, many students are forced to work paying jobs in addition to their studies. This cuts back on study time. Each semester students are searching to create a "perfect" schedule, filling all of their time they allow for classes, and the classes must meet certain criteria, such as "an easy A" or fulfilling an Arts & Letters course.
When she exists student life, and re-enters teaching life, she genuinely revised her syllabus to meet the needs of modern college student culture. She gave value to the readings that she wanted her students to read, by making sure they were tested on them in some form (quizzes, exams, discussion). I believe she opened up her office hours, because she now understood that students are leaving her class and rushing across campus to catch another class, or catch a bus to take them to work.
She also made a valid point, that students, like many professors, have no idea what goes on in the daily world of the other. Majority of students are clueless as to how much preparation teachers put into a course, the politics in university life, the research they conduct, and the committees they serve on.
Closing thoughts on the chapter:
As we grow up (age and intelligence) we start to realize the value of others and how important learning truly is. The college culture between a freshman and a senior greatly differ. A senior is no longer quiet in class and will visit the professor during office hours. Partying becomes less of a priority, as classes progressively get harder and the reality of entering the "real world" sinks in. We are so fortunate to be able to grow along this spectrum in America, and be able to share such luxuries of having fun and learning at the same time.
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