Ciao!

Busy time of year

12.07.2004

This is actually one of the busiest time of the year for college profs. Students tend to forget that; we never do. See, I'd rather not give papers & long essay exams. That's just more work for me. I could just give a scantron, multiple choice bubblesheet. It'd certainly make my life easier.

But. See. Then students don't really learn; they don't get pushed, challenged. That's why we give 10-page papers & blue book essay exams. That's the only thing that keeps me going as I trudge through 33 blue books, all handwritten, answering any combination of 7 questions.

Students write a paper. I've to come up w/ a paper topic, structure, format, etc. Then I've to read several dozen of them (cry myself to read horrible grammar), then read them over again to put a grade on them. If I'm lucky, I also get to read a few rough drafts.

Students take a final exam. I've to come up w/ the questions, read all the answers (twice). So the semester ends a week later than it does for students.

Students read the textbooks (or they don't). I've to read several texts (at least skim them) to pick the one to assign, then read the chosen text(s) carefully, then prepare lecture/discussion notes. Oh, and review literature not in the text that's important/relevant to the class. My Spring 2005 semester? It started a month ago.

So. Next time you've a prof who gives you "easy" assignments or "light" reading, don't be so quick to think they're the coolest teacher ever.

Yeah, grading's miserable. I don't know anyone who enjoys it. At least it was nice to take a break for coffee & pool. Thanks, Cat.

Posted by Miguel at 07:25 PM

Comments

Posted by: Nenad at December 7, 2004 08:54 PM

Posted by: Melli at December 7, 2004 11:13 PM

Posted by: Miguel at December 8, 2004 12:56 AM

Posted by: cat at December 8, 2004 11:56 AM