Ah, Hattie. Here's the bad news: you managed to repeat "I don't think this class fits my learning style" at least 3 times in a conversation that can't have lasted more than 6 minutes. It's possible that you would, indeed, do better in a traditional face to face section of this required class than in the hybrid one you're taking (and, given your major, you really should be taking writing for maze-dwelling rats, not writing for prairie dogs). But, given what you said about the classes in which you're doing (a bit) better, and the fact that you haven't even attempted any of the discussion board posts designed to guide you through the process of researching and writing the major project, I fear your learning style involves showing up in class (sometimes) and hoping to glean enough information to pass the exams. Whatever version of the class you take, in whatever mode, I'm afraid you're going to have to write, and read, and find your own sources to write about. If that represents a new "learning style" for you, you're going to need to develop a new learning style if you want to graduate.
The good news: you actually initiated the conversation; you know (without my telling you) that you're currently failing the class; and you're open to the idea of dropping and starting over again next semester. You're even worried about inconveniencing your classmates by being behind on the group project (yes, that one requires independent research, too. Sorry. I'm afraid that's what the class is about.) Though your approach to academics seems more than a bit flaky, your interpersonal skills and grasp of reality aren't bad. You're showing signs of being on your way to becoming a functional (if not yet college-educated) adult. Congratulations! (But I still hope you take someone else's section next term. I'm not teaching rat writing then anyway).
Dear, dear Hattie. I'm afraid any work environment, for her, won't be "her style."
ReplyDeleteMy worst class ever had 80 of these, and they were all undergraduate education majors. I start shaking again every time I think of it.
ReplyDeleteIf that represents a new "learning style" for you, you're going to need to develop a new learning style if you want to graduate.
ReplyDeleteSilly me, I thought that's what education was about -- Teachers teaching students new learning styles.
Isn't it a shame that's gone out of fashion...often on both sides of the big desk?
How exactly is one person supposed to adapt a class to (potentially) each students in a classroom? No wonder some of us are screaming obscenities and taking off our clothes in the hallway!
I'm beyond over this learning style craze thing. I can't even believe that it became a thing in the first place. I love when students say things like, "I'm a visual learner, so I don't do well in courses where I have to read a lot." Unless the students in question are visually impaired, which has never been the case in my particular situation, I ask them why, considering that reading is an activity that many people do with their eyes (and would therefore appeal to "visual learners"), reading happens to be a problem. I've yet to receive an answer to that question.
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