Random Thoughts

[Beach Runner]

That's EXACTLY what's going on here. I don't hate the professor because I know she's doing the best she can with what has been handed to her. But the class is a big steaming crock o' spit.

I hear ya. What sucks is that our salary is based on evaluations from students, some of whom are forced to take our classes because they are core classes. No matter how much seniority we have as a professor, at our institution everyone has to teach core classes. So we are subject to bad evaluations from kids who are forced to take our classes. How can we possibly get good evaluations from students who despise having to take a core class?

It's totally different when I'm teaching classes to someone who has chosen computer science as a major.

 

[Matt J]

No offense, but that is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. How about leaving out the core classes and only counting the ones that aren't forced?

 

[scooterbug44]

I had some great professors in many "required" classes. Since "core" classes are the basis of a student's education one would hope both the students and the professor would have more regard for them. One of my favorite college classes was a required freshman class taught by a highly regarded senior professor of international renown.

There are professors who can make the drying of paint interesting and there are professors who could bore you while standing in the center ring of a circus w/ a trapeze act overhead.

The evaluation results should be the same regardless of the subject matter as the teaching skills shouldn't have changed.

 

[JustaLocal]

I'm a math/science type but one of my favorite professors was for Composition I and II. I love to read and even enjoy writing some, but detest those types of classes. Timed writing, analyzing poems and plays, all that ambiguity...UGH! He made it entertaining and bearable.

I am not crazy about any of the social sciences, but was lucky enough to have really enthusiastic and knowledgeable professors for all of my core classes - it makes a difference. I can't think of a class that can't be "okay" if taught by a great professor.

 

[Beach Runner]

Actually I'm in luck because I can relate to college students, having one in the family. My sections of core classes fill up.

Basically, my attitude is that I want to treat students the way I want my daughter to be treated. Pay it forward. So I have "love in my club."​

 

[Bob]

my yard will know I'm on vacation, and will grow at twice it's normal rate.

 

[aggieb]

i've always wondered why people walk their bicycle.

 

[DD]

i've always wondered why people walk their bicycle.

Beats the heck outta me. Maybe the terrain is rocky/bumpy? Maybe no bike path? I'm guessing here.

 

[Beach Runner]

DD, that's because you live in Texas where it's flat. I'm thinking about riding my bike to work. But there's a very steep hill that's about a half-mile long -- much worse than Cardiac Hill in the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta, if you've ever heard of that. With a laptop and books I know I'll have to walk my bike up that hill.

 

[DD]

DD, that's because you live in Texas where it's flat. I'm thinking about riding my bike to work. But there's a very steep hill that's about a half-mile long -- much worse than Cardiac Hill in the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta, if you've ever heard of that. With a laptop and books I know I'll have to walk my bike up that hill.

Good point. We don't have a lot of hills around here. Of course, this is all moot with me since I don't ride a bike and don't plan to any time in the forseeable future.