So the joke amongst us cranky profs at some point each semester is, "This university would be great if it weren't for all those damn students!" Usually it's toward midterms or finals. Of course, it's not true. We wouldn't be here without the students (I doubt they reciprocate the group hug sentiment). Anyway, I'm already at that point and I'm nearing the end of week TWO.
No one in my honors intro class knew what Tiananmen Square was. When I talked about the importance of critical thinking in my Information Gathering class this morning, I got groans and eye rolls when I mentioned the role it played in helping the media bring to light events such as the Civil Rights movement, Vietnam, etc.
Students sleep in classes all the time now (and not just my classes, so I know it's not just me). They refuse to complete the basic requirements of courses. I gave a quiz today and 10% of the class was absent. This was our third class session. Ugh! I feel like a cranky old lady, but seriously - why are many of these young adults here if they refuse to learn, refuse to open their minds and learn ANYTHING other than what they brought with them to college. And you know what? Just because I want you to open your mind a bit and expand your world doesn't mean I'm some evil liberal prof bitch.
I'm at a state school and much emphasis is placed on Ag and engineering, but that doesn't mean you can't learn something - that you can't enjoy classes that discuss things unrelated to seed genetics, duck migration and waste water treatment. It's like this generation truly believes it's cool to be mediocre. It's certainly NOT cool to put any effort into anything (except drinking). They are more anti-intellectual than any group of students I've ever known. It's really quite sad.
Rant over. I need to grade quizzes. I'm sure that will cheer me up.
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Hi Jen--AAAAAMEN! I hear ya. I mean, I do have a number of wonderful students, but for each of them, there are maybe 3-5 others who I just want to throttle. For instance, I'm teaching a methodology class in which the WHOLE POINT OF THE CLASS IS TO PUT WHAT THEY'RE LEARNING INTO PRACTICE. And one of my students the other day is shocked, SHOCKED, that I'm going to have an essay midterm, not just multiple choice. Like uh oh, they're actually going to have to THINK. Geesh. Anyhow, hang in there, and let's talk soooon. :) M.
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