What am I doing here?

[affreca]

I've pretty much spent most of my life around universities. And despite some of my grousing about thesis topics, universities seem to be my natural habitat, where I do best. I'm still trying to find my niche. I suspect it is not as a researcher, but probably a librarian. I don't know, as I haven't worked at one since high school.

Slate has an interesting series of articles this week about universities, and what reforms need to be done in them. Many of them I disagree with. Partially because several seem to ignore the basic ignorance many freshman (and older) have. I have students who do not know how many centimeters there are in a meter, or how to use a protractor (which they keep calling a compass). Which is why I feel less than sympathetic to my students who claim to be working hard, yet failing.

Oh, I would have liked to take this class. KU has had a similiar class for years, and most people are required to take it (Western Civ), but not those getting a BS. And because it is a requirement, and taught in very large sections, a lot is lost.

Then, there is the idea of pushing study abroad. I heartily agree, and wish I would have. Except, I know to many students who are on a budget which doesn't allow for it, either moneywise or timewise. Maybe pushing the "gap year" idea, like is common in UK and Canada?

Mostly, it is this article is the one that I disagree with. Not just the reasons I mentioned above about missing basic knowledge, but that the assertion that researchers don't teach. Not true at KU. Especially with the number of classes taught by graduate students, who are researching. And the increasing number of undergraduates researching for a senior thesis.

Oh, and this is the blog I read when I want to scream about student stupidity.

Comments

students

[(Anonymous)]

The public school systems are sadly lacking in this country. It is what happens when the government gets involved. Any child that needs any sort of "teaching" might as well forget it. I am a firm believer in home, charter or private schools. We, as parents, should not leave this very important part of our childrens future to the government. Out of all the teachers my kids encountered, I can count on 2 fingers those that actually made a difference. I feel very sad for the children who have no parental involvement because the government does not make a very good substitute. AND throwing more money at the problem will not make it better. The socialistic welfare programs in this country are a good example of that failure.
Enough rant
Aunt Sandy