Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Frontline Wonders

Confused Candy: Um, you put the reading up on blackboard twice. Does that mean we have to read it twice? 'Cause it's the same chapter.

Worldly Wendy (after watching a Nigerian reggae video): That guy had on a Chelsea football jersey! How did that get to Nigeria???

Syllabus-Challenged Sandra: So, we're like not in the right place on the syllabus. So, are we like skipping those other chapters? [My response: No. Just read the stuff in the order it appears on the syllabus and I'll revise the syllabus.] Yeah, but we're not in the right place. So we should just skip those chapters and go straight to [other reading], right?

Sprightly Sam: Can you tell us the test format?
Me: Yes. There will be five essay questions that I will post in advance. I will ask you three of them on the test. Then I will also ask you a fourth question that will be new to you.
[Another student asks a question.]
Suddenly Alert Sarah: Wait, can you tell us the test format?

An office hours update!

Her: Hey, what is that thing? (points to the full-spectrum light that is currently inches from my face.)
Me: It's a full-spectrum light.
Her: (laughing) like for Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Me: (not laughing) Yes.
Her: (more laughing) You think that works?
Me: Yes. There are a number of studies that show it works, and it's been my experience that it helps.
Her: (laughing) It's just a big light!
Me: (not laughing) What was your name again? I'd like to make sure I grade your exam personally.

I am not lying.

3 comments:

  1. I hate the test format questions. I just tell them "I don't know yet. I'll write it first and then give it to you and then we'll all know." Or "Do you want me to wait and see how it's going, or just write the rest of the tests tonight so I can give you all of the formats on [next class day] whether we get there or not?"

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  2. They keep coming (test format questions) and I'm all...I know what class YOU morons skipped yesterday. The worst part? They might have been IN class and they could STILL be asking these questions.

    I was thinking of bringing in either a Magic 8-ball or the big quartz crystal divination device I keep on my desk and saying "Let's consult the oracle, shall we?"

    And then I would rig the 8-Ball..."Ask again later."

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  3. I've experienced a post hoc modification of your story:

    : Here are your midterms back. Don't ask me to give the answers to any questions, we'll be taking them up at the start of next class.
    : Professor, what's the answer to this question??

    ReplyDelete

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