Will you help me if I have a problem?
You bet. My job is to help you learn. If the objective of college were to
simply absorb information, you could just read the textbook. The teacher's
function is to guide you through the process of learning and applying new
skills. You can count on my assistance any time you have difficulty with the
material. All you need to do is ask. However, with all the students I have, I
may not pick up on your problem immediately, so please let me know when and
where help is needed. I can't be in class every day. Is that okay? I can't be in class today. I
have to go take a test. Is that okay?
No, it's not. Besides, the fact that you even ask the question indicates
you already know it's not okay, so now you're trying to goad me into letting you
off the hook. Sorry, no dice. I will not force you to attend, but nationwide
studies have shown that the #1 factor in student success is showing up for
class. The only person you hurt is yourself. Find a way to be here every day,
even if that takes some sacrifice on your part.
And quite frankly, I don't believe that your other instructors insist on your
taking a test precisely at the same time you're supposed to be attending my
class. Should this ever be the case, give me your other instructor's name, and
I'll talk to him or her about the situation. I have a paper due in another class. Can I turn my essay in late?
I know the situation: no major assignments for weeks, and then suddenly
everything is due at the same time. You feel like you'll never get it done. I
myself used to spend many a sleepless night typing papers. Still, the answer is
no. You're asking me for a favor by saying that another class is more important
than mine and then expect me to be cooperative? Your best bet is to start your
work early and turn both papers in on time. This is a good exercise in
discipline and time management, two characteristics your future employers value
highly. What does this have to do with the real world?
Everything. The question implies that there are a "real" and a "fake"
world. Sorry, but there is only one, and you're in it right now. Whatever you do
is the "real" world. You have only one life, so do well and make the best of it.
Don't be stubborn and end up losing because you think you shouldn't have to do
something. Why do I have to learn this?
Sometimes the connection between what you learn in class and what you'll
need on the job or in life may not be clear at first glance, but don't let first
impressions fool you. Actually, you don't have to do anything. Granted,
you'll never graduate, but you don't have to learn it. First of all,
the requirements were chosen based on the college faculty's experience and on
input from industry representatives. We're not just trying to squeeze more money
out of you by forcing you to take useless classes. Second, our society
expects college graduates to be able to express themselves well in speaking and
in writing and to assume leadership positions in their communities. Just imagine
having to turn down a request to take the minutes of the PTA meeting or write a
note in your church newsletter because you never thought writing mattered. Is
that what you want? Are we doing anything in class today?
Heavens, no! Are you trying to tell me in a roundabout way that you feel
like cutting class today and want my blessings (which won't happen), or are you
insinuating that there frequently are class periods where we only waste time? By
all means, leave! All we'll do today is put up our feet and take a nap. You know
that we couldn't have class without you. This question, quite frankly, is
insulting, and you deserved the sarcastic response I gave you. Can I turn in my last history paper for my next essay?
This may seem like a good way to lighten the work load, but you will very
likely get an F for the paper. Each essay you write should be something original
from you, not regurgitated work from high school or other college classes.
Besides, chances are that I will focus on skills that your other professors may
not emphasize, which means that other papers more than likely aren't appropriate
for my assignments. Do yourself a favor and write a new essay--it's the best way
to learn. You must think that this is my only class.
It's not? That would explain all those other people on campus who call
themselves "faculty." Here I had always thought I was the only one. Now
seriously:
(1) It is not my job to make sure that you can balance your school, work,
familial, and social responsibilities. If you cannot keep up with your course
work, YOU are the one who must make adjustments. I understand what it feels like
to be pressed for time, but this is YOUR problem, not somebody else's. I require
only what needs to be done so that you can meet the objectives of this course
and your program of study.
(2) My assignments certainly aren't excessive. You get three weeks to do an
essay. If you wait until the night before it's due, that's your choice. Reading
assignments are never more than 5-10 pages. Sometimes you have a whole week to
complete these. I understand that college requires a substantial investment
of your time and energy, maybe more than you can or will give, but griping
doesn't solve that. I'm always willing to work with you to make sure that you
can complete this course successfully if there is a true emergency, but you must
take responsibility for what goes on in your life. Don't try to make others feel
guilty because the life choices you have made aren't working out for you. This is haaard!!!
This is a quite natural reaction to the work you encounter in many
courses, but allow me to explain how this statement sounds to your professors:
If you were failing the class, I'd expect you to try to find ways to improve
your grade, not just to gripe. I'll help you with the course material, but if
all you have to say is "This is hard," I get the impression that your approach
to passing is not to improve your skills or change your work habits or manage
your time better but to guilt me into lowering my standards.
The vast majority of students who complain about a "hard" class are quite
capable of passing. Why then do they complain? I really don't know for sure, but
I have two theories:
1. These students believe that they deserve a higher grade than the one they
currently have. Getting this higher grade, unfortunately, requires more time and
effort than they are willing or able to give.
2. These students think that what was good enough in high school should also be
good enough in college.
Either way, to them the problem lies with the class, and they try to close the
gap between what they have and what they would like to have by lobbying me to
lower standards. In the process, they come across as simply not willing to do
the work it takes to get a good grade. I'm sorry, but that's what it sounds
like.
Be honest with yourself and look for the true purpose of the above complaint. If
you really have problems understanding the material, talk to me. I'm sure
we can find a solution to help you succeed in this class. I don't have time for homework. I work two jobs from 3 to 11 p.m. every
day.
Working and going to college is tough. You're being pulled in all
directions, and it seems you can't do anything right or please anyone. I've been
there, but the simple truth is: You can't have everything at the same time. If
you work these long hours to make your car payments or something, then maybe you
should look for a cheaper car. If you truly need the money to pay bills and feed
your family, then maybe you shouldn't be taking 18 hours. Reduce your course
load and do well in the classes that are left--we'll still be here in a couple
of years, and you'll always be welcomed back. I have three kids at home--how am I supposed to get it all done?
Talk to me when there is a real emergency (the fact that you can't get
your kids out the door on time in the morning doesn't count), and I will work
with you to make sure you can pass this class. Otherwise, those are, in fact,
your children, and you must find a way to balance family and school
responsibilities. See above. Should I drop this class?
Yes. If you are concerned about your progress in this class and the only
solution that comes to mind is dropping, then, yes, you should drop. Never mind
that dropping doesn't solve anything. You'll just have to take the class again.
You may think I sound uncaring, but what I'm trying to say is this: Success
comes from within. No matter what I suggest that you do and no matter what I
say, if your heart isn't in it, things won't change. If deep down inside you
keep convincing yourself that you can't do it, you probably will fail.
But there is help. I and everybody else on this campus will help you wherever we
can. However, our help is useful only if you allow it to be useful, if you allow
yourself to listen, and if you take charge of your own success. You may not know
it now, but you can do it. Talk to me about what you can and must do to pass the
class, and follow the advice given by former British prime minister Winston
Churchill: "Never give in--never, never, never, never." You really don't like me, do you?
You got that right--I hate your guts. That's why I became a teacher--to
take my bad attitude out on others. In fact, I spend most of my evenings
thinking of new ways to give you a hard time. Our society seems to be
obsessed with popularity these days, so this questions comes as no surprise. The
truth is, teachers like all their students and want all of them to do well. If
we didn't, we wouldn't be able to do this job. Yes, there are people whose
personalities we find more pleasant and others whom we find irritating, but
that's normal--after all, we are human, as hard as that may be to believe.
Personal likes and dislikes are not important to us. No matter how obnoxious or
belligerent you may be, you'll still get a good grade if your work is good; no
matter how much you flatter me, I still won't take late work from you. Our goal
is to help you succeed, and that is so important to us that even if we were
obsessed with our students' personalities, we wouldn't have time to waste
deciding whom we like and whom we can't stand. Once and for all: I AM NOT OUT
TO GET YOU!
Send email to:
carsten@osu-okmulgee.edu
