Yes, from the guy whose probably not going to pass the class...

Some Gems from the first couple of weeks of school....
First, 5 non-traditional students of 48 is too many for one class. They will do their best to derail every train of thought.

One in particular is going to do me in before the semester is over- I'm sure of it.
For your enjoyment....
Episode One:
"How do we find cities [for the map test] we don't know? Do we just look them up."
"Yep..." [you could even use some newfangled technology like an atlas or the world wide web]

Episode Two:
"Can I ask you a question without it hurting your feelings?"
"Sure."
"Will we have videos or games or something besides lecture, because it's kinda boring to just sit here."
"Well, it is a lecture based class [because it is an UPPER DIVISION COLLEGE class]. There will be occasional videos, but mostly lecture."
"Ok. Just wanted to let you know that."

Pants on Fire

Meeting with the last of my cheaters today. He just won't give it up. Despite NOT replying to me for 2 weeks he has tried the following excuses:
"You didn't tell me I had to cite."
You would have to cite that entire essay you turned in... it was verbatim from webpages. Oh, and I did include citing in the directions.
"I pay a lot for school."
Then don't cheat.
"I don't need an A just to pass."
You couldn't have gotten an A if you had gotten 100 on the exam. Also, a D is a passing grade, just not one you like.
The joys of teaching never end.

We need more Moms like this

Overheard in my Starbucks office...
To her daughter: "It really doesn't matter if you do well in school."

If more mothers were like this, teaching would be so much easier.*

*I hope your picking up the sarcasm, 'cause I'm laying it on pretty thick!

Circling the Drain

Your students are so disrespectful that you walked out of class?!? They say they have nothing to learn from you. Maybe the curriculum is too easy for them. (Would that be the curriculum YOU design and hold me to?) Have you tried SITTING IN A CIRCLE? (Oh, because when I stand in the front of the room, I might seem like a professor that should be respected?) Did you set community standards to follow like I suggested? (Begrudgingly, yes I did.) Oh you did. Hmm.... I'll come by your class; there are lots of different teaching styles you could use. (You're right it must be my approach to teaching and not their attitudes.)

Come on, are you kidding me?

P.S. This is really not helping to bolster my confidence as I apply to PhD programs...teaching abilities, mental stability?!?

Things You Shouldn't Ask Your Professor (Even if they are a grad. assistant)

1. Is this class a study hall?

2. Yo, did we have homework?

3. Are you in a sorority?

4. So you don't want to have the "real" college experience? (Re: answer to question 3)

5. Is this required?

6. Man that article is fucking long. Do we have to read all of it? (P.S. The article was 10 pages).

More to come, I'm sure.

Too Early to be Jaded

It is too early, both in the semester and in my career as a teacher, to be so jaded and pessimistic about the quality of the students, but alas so it is.
Since when is "hella shit" a proper response to the question "what is culture?"?
I am constantly dumb-founded by students' complete lack of understanding of what college is (paying tuition only provides you with an opportunity to EARN a degree not the actual BA) and that success requires work (yes, you really do have not only buy the books, but also READ them).
I am also concerned when I hear some of these same quality students say they are looking forward to a career in government or teaching.