Howdy everyone. Haven't posted in a while as I didn't teach this summer so I didn't have any misery to share (not about teaching anyway, but this isn't Lifeguard Misery...oh the joy of being an adjunct and not getting any classes in the summer but still having bills to pay.) The second week of classes is now in full swing, here's a fun peek into what I've been dealing with...
Returning Student Rita -- I understand that, as an older returning student, you are very nervous coming back to college. I am more than happy to work with you to help you transition back to school. I have to draw the line, though, at you nearly stalking me. Seriously, just because you know that I'm in the same classroom back to back for a few classes doesn't mean you should come and see me between each of those classes to talk. Especially when its not about our course but your raging anxiety. Thank God you have not yet found my office and I don't plan on telling you where it is. I will have an informational brochure about Counseling Services in hand for you before our next class together.
Smart Ass Sam -- Thanks for the smart ass comments during lecture. Really, it added so much to the class discussion that your classmates were actually willingly and actively participating in. Thankfully one of your classmates directed an equally smart ass comment towards you and you got the hint. I should have said something to her, but really, it was just too good to see you squirm.
Not So Critical Clint -- This is an upper level class for majors. At this point, most students are juniors or seniors and typically pretty solid writers. So when you send me an assignment for review and your "critical analysis" of a course concept is only a single sentence long, I am a little worried. Scratch that, I am very worried. Seriously, one sentence?!?
I've had a Rita. The counseling brochure sounds like a good idea. It alerts her to a resource she might find useful, and also sends the message that you're not prepared to be her counselor.
ReplyDeleteOoh, Returning Student Rita...she will suck out your soul. When I get one of those I always conveniently have to go to the bathroom. In another state.
ReplyDeleteOh, the Clints of the world. I have a slew of juniors who didn't realize, until today, that they're supposed to actually bring assigned readings with them to class. I'm teaching a course with mixed majors and all, but isn't that expectation pretty standard? I'm worried that mine won't even be able to string one sentence together.
ReplyDeleteAs for Marty, I wonder if he's ever seen this poem: "Did I Miss Anything?" by
ReplyDeleteTom Wayman. (http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/013.html)