This is the first semester in 10+ years of teaching that I’m dreading the start of a new semester. Normally I’m bright eyed and bushy tailed waiting to see the new face of students with the belief that this semester will be a good one with a larger crop of students than previous semesters who care and put effort into their work. I know it may be a tad bit delusional on my part but it helps me mentally get ready for the new semester.So what is different this time around? I’m actually dreading this upcoming semester. Next week I’ll be facing over 300 pairs of eyes that I am positive will be glazed over within ten minutes of me opening my mouth. It’s not that I am a boring professor. In actuality, I have been credited with some wild antics over the years to do whatever is necessary to keep the little ‘flakes engaged. This time I doubt that whatever I do will work. Why? Last semester had to be one of my worst semesters teaching. The students were horrid, rude, and had that strong sense of entitlement we all know and hate. My boss kept taking sides with the students with whatever complaints came around, even though I had documentation for things such as plagiarism, but at the same time claimed he/she did not want the college to become a “degree factory.” My favorite quote was “just give [the snowflake] a D and that will shut them up.” I’m sorry, it does not because then they are like “well why don’t you just give me a C then?” The deans are just as bad. It is more about the number of students in the seats than the quality of education. Just facing all of this crap for another fifteen weeks is really stressing me out.
I love teaching. It’s my passion, my life. However, what you do when the working conditions make it a living hell? I have thought about changing locations but the market is not all that cooperative in my field so that is not an option.
Q: How do you deal with this sort of situation? Avoid alcohol and drug use because I do not imbibe in either.
A: Post to the comments section.
I have several methods of coping. One is to teach to the good students. I've been lucky always to have at least some in each class, and they keep me going. I just tune out the zombie stares, much like how they tune me out. These people frequently skip class, as the semester progresses: I'm glad I don't have to deal with them.
ReplyDeleteHaving served as department chair has helped. Many faculty say they'll never take this job, but I had a blast, and accomplished a lot. Best, whenever the subsequent chair does something I don't like, I can say, "Well, MY experience was that it works like THIS..." I hope you realize that almost no one goes out of their way to become department chair, so it's almost always the province of the amateur, like parenthood?
I also make it a point to remember that my students' lab fees support a facility that I enjoy using for research. I am also writing a textbook for my big general-ed course, in which everything is extensively tested on students, both good and bad. Therefore, even my worst students are doing at least two things useful me.
If you're not getting support up the chain of command, look laterally. Other teachers there either will have seen the same things - and may have found ways to cope you haven't thought of - or may have seen things differently and help you make connections that work.
ReplyDeleteAnd don't assume that last semester was the beginning of the end, or a trend: it could be that you just had a really bad group, unusual by your institution's standards, and this semester will be lovely.
Is there any way that you can 'discourage' attendance by the uninterested (putting class notes online, not having attendance recorded, etc.)? At least that way, you might be teaching in person to an audience of only fifty or a hundred actually interested folks.
ReplyDeleteIs the work required in the course of a type where you can use a clear grading rubric that awards set numbers of marks on various components of an assignment? That might cut down on the grade challenges by the disgruntled -- the appearance of a 'scientific method' behind grading, even if pure illusion, can appease some students. Another technique would be to have a couple of other profs agree to be members of a 'backup' grading team. Tell the students that anyone unsatisfied with his or her grade can opt to have you submit the paper to another member of the team, who then has the option of keeping, raising, or LOWERING the grade you gave.
Do you have tenure? If you don't, kiss up until you do.
ReplyDeleteAfter you have tenure:
1) Develop fair, yet demanding policies.
2) State them on your syllabus.
3) Stick to your syllabus, and flunk flakewads as necessary, while you point to the syllabus.
4) Don't ever speak to your superiors about your flakewads and their failure rates unless you have to (the flakewads complain to them).
5) If flakewads complain and boss takes their side, tell boss, while pointing to syllabus, "I don't agree, and I'm sorry you feel that way. Here's how I arrived at the grade..."
6) Be polite but firm, never back down, but continue to hold to your standards. If your superiors decide to change student grades that's not your problem. You've done your job.
Care less. Seriously. I've experienced your situation and it can be demoralizing when your school changes its standards. You don't have control over that. Let it go.
ReplyDeleteI think the advice given by other commenters is good too.
I face this struggle on a regular basis and no coping strategy really works all the time. I have gone through periods of real depression about this. However, I think Froderick and Ben have the best advice. On the one hand, I need to stop taking my job so seriously; I need to care less and not give my energy to the students who are just wasting space. On the other hand, I need to teach to the good students and really give them quality teaching and individual attention; if I'm not giving all my energy to being upset about zombie students, I have enough energy to really make a difference for the students who care enough to take what I have to offer... This is my latest approach. We'll see how it goes.
ReplyDeleteIt is more about the number of students in the seats than the quality of education.
ReplyDeleteThere's the rub. Until that goes away, the basic issue will be with us. When that does go away, so will many of us. My job will be out the window for sure. But education will improve and the job of teaching will get better for those left standing.