posted
I have talked a bit about this in Letters You Wish You Could Send, so bear with me if you have a deja vu feeling.
I am doing VERY poorly in a specific class. The teacher rambles on and on, speaks too quickly (as an idea of how quickly, the sign language interpreter (there's a deaf girl in my class) will occasionally give an expression of "I don't know what to say..." then go back to signing, because the teacher talks too fast), and jumps from topic to topic like fleas in a crowded dog park. She speaks to us condescendingly when she's reviewing the quiz, saying "You should have known that! Come on! This should have been EASY for you" and similar phrases. Most people in the class are not doing well, and are scared to go into class, thinking we'll have another quiz we'll fail.
This is where my mom comes in. She knows I have the potential to do well. Which is great! She has faith in me! But yesterday, I was explaining how hard this class was for me, and she said that if I pass the class with a D, it's fine. Today, she's screaming at me (and hung up on me once) that I have a defeatist approach, and should do more to do better in the class. But she refuses to listen to me try to explain how messed up my professor's teaching style is, and how I can't talk to her after class (her office hours are during another class of mine). "Go to the tutoring center," my mom says. There aren't any tutors that can help with this class- or any course in the department. "Go find a graduate student to tutor you." Yes, mom, because they aren't taking any courses and can help us out when we ask for it. "Ask the department head if there are more resources you can use." I did, Mom, the department head said that I should use the book, because that's the only resource my teacher would use.
Finally, she blew up at me, saying "You're always crying that you can't get any help! Every time you're failing a class, you cry about it. [note: I have only been concerned about 3 classes in my entire school career. One of them, I got a B in, the other, I got a C in] If you're so upset over this shit, then why don't you just drop out of school entirely and go work for Disney? That's the only place that will take you. You can't go anywhere nowadays without a college degree! Just keep in mind that you'll have to pay us back for all the money we've spent on your education and we wouldn't help you for anything anymore."
...Now you see why I have a love/hate relationship with my mom...
So now I'm upset, because I don't know where to go for help, my mom's screaming at me that I should just drop out of school, and everything seems to have just completely NFBSKed up since I arrived back into town in mid-August. (Should I add to the stress that K called me last night, asking if I'd want to go see the play that's showing on campus this weekend? I said "We'll see" in a matter-of-fact tone, because I don't know if I want to go see the play with him). I'm thinking that maybe I should go to the professor that was SUPPOSED to teach this course to see if she could tutor me (she had to bow out of teaching this class at the last minute, but I don't remember why).
I want a new mom. And a new teacher. Can I just start this semester completely over?
Oh yeah, and any additional ideas you guys may have would be greatly appreciated (Zorro...expect a PM)
-------------------- My mom, about my nervousness with Jeopardy!: "Don't worry about it. Just get drunk and you'll do fine." Blog Just call me Mickey 2 Posts: 3295 | From: Radford, VA/Herndon, VA/Orlando, FL | Registered: Jan 2006
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Is there anyway to talk to someone about the teacher. I am sure there are others in the class that feel the same way you can go as a group togather and talk to the Dean about her teaching style. Write down a list of things that she does like jumping from one topic to another and take the list with you so you don't leave something out.
E_E
-------------------- "Taking all the pain I give you Loving blindly in return And I need you more than ever" WWW.Myspace.com/E_E2000 Posts: 1243 | From: Northern VA | Registered: Sep 2003
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Actually, multiple people in my class already HAVE spoken to the department head about her. But since she'd already started teaching the class, it wouldn't be a good idea to have someone else jump in suddenly (I've heard that the old professor was so great...that's why I want to ask her for help)
-------------------- My mom, about my nervousness with Jeopardy!: "Don't worry about it. Just get drunk and you'll do fine." Blog Just call me Mickey 2 Posts: 3295 | From: Radford, VA/Herndon, VA/Orlando, FL | Registered: Jan 2006
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I had to retake a finance class once, its not the end of the world to do so.
quote:Can I just start this semester completely over?
Well, its not unheard of, but I assume you are taking other classes besides this one, I'd focus on them and then if you dont' pass the hard one just take it again but make sure you have a different teacher (mabye see if they offer it in the winter semester, so you wont' be behind).
-------------------- "All people are responsible for the good that they didn't do" Posts: 4774 | From: Virginia | Registered: Feb 2004
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How many classes does this said teacher teach?
I think if enough people talk to the dean, not just the head of the department and voice there frustration about her teaching style and them wanting to drop the class. I don't think the Dean wants someone to drop a class and I am sure it would not look to good if alot of students want to drop a class because they are not learning anything from it.
I would suggest letting it slip that you are going to write a letter with the signatures from people in the class and mail them to people who donate to the college. That might work.
I'm aparently online so you can IM me
E_E
-------------------- "Taking all the pain I give you Loving blindly in return And I need you more than ever" WWW.Myspace.com/E_E2000 Posts: 1243 | From: Northern VA | Registered: Sep 2003
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Rhiandmoi
Ding Dong! Merrily on High Definition TV
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Honestly, you do have a bit of a defeatist attitude. I think you mom might have reached her breaking point with you over it.
-------------------- I think that hyperbole is the single greatest factor contributing to the decline of society. - My friend Pat.
quote:Originally posted by Rhiandmoi: Honestly, you do have a bit of a defeatist attitude. I think you mom might have reached her breaking point with you over it.
When you have searched for help every place that you can think of, and haven't found anyone that can help, how is that defeatist? I've gone to graduate students. I've tried talking to the teacher (she rushes to finish conversations because she has to go do something else...I think speech pathology in the speech path. center on campus). I've gone to the tutoring center on campus. I've tried talking to the head of the department.
What else can I do? I WAS asking if anyone had any tips.
-------------------- My mom, about my nervousness with Jeopardy!: "Don't worry about it. Just get drunk and you'll do fine." Blog Just call me Mickey 2 Posts: 3295 | From: Radford, VA/Herndon, VA/Orlando, FL | Registered: Jan 2006
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Is there a teaching assistant (usually a graduate student) assigned to the class? If so, talk with him/her.
Talk with the professor. Since you have a conflict with her office hours, try to find another time to meet. My experience has been that professors try to be accommodating, as they understand that class conflicts may preclude some students from attending office hours.
Is this other class (that conflicts with her office hours) one that other students in your class are also likely taking? If so, then her office hours might be unavailable to a large percentage of her students, and she might not be aware of it. If this is an issue for many students, she may be pursuaded to extend or move her office hours so more students can attend.
Are there study groups of students in your class? Perhaps you could hook up with them. If not, perhaps you can start your own. Do you know any of the other students in the class? Are others having the same difficulties as you? If so, they may welcome the opportunity to review lecture notes and discuss the readings.
The key is to address this sooner rather than later. Concerns/issues that are legitimate ("I can't come to office hours because of a conflict," "I have difficulty understanding the lectures/book/whatever") sound more and more like whining or excuses as the end of the semester nears. As a result, instructors tend to be much more accommodating if these are brought up earlier rather than later.
Blue "staying away from your family issues" Phantom
Posts: 26 | From: California | Registered: Oct 2005
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Rhiandmoi
Ding Dong! Merrily on High Definition TV
posted
Well you could go with your teacher to the something else she needs to do. You could arrange for someone to take notes for you one day in your other class so that you can meet her in office hours. You could get a tape recorder so you can listen to the lectures again that night and pause the tape so you can take notes. You could email the teacher saying that you feel like you are falling behind and are there additional study materials that she reccomends. You could post an ad on the departments job board asking for a tutor. You could ask someone that is doing ok in the class to study with you.
-------------------- I think that hyperbole is the single greatest factor contributing to the decline of society. - My friend Pat.
posted
Can you drop the course? Is it needed for your degree? Can you take it at a later date with a different teacher?
I have a PhD in Physics. I've taken "a few" courses in my time. There were a few I dropped because of situations close to yours.
If you are getting nothing out of a class, AND you are failing, why put up with it?
I have "stuck with" classes I had not clue as to what was going on, but I had a passing grade. The logic was, 1) I don't have to take that class again (get the d!@n thing out of the way), and 2) I got a grade that will not harm my GPA (much).
I would look at your drop options. The only reason I would stick with it is if you can get a grade that will mean you don't have to take it again.
If this is an optional course, get the **bleep** out of it now.
ETA: I did not address you "mom" issue as in many ways, she is irrelevant to your problem. The problem is this class and instructor. Focus on that (and ignore your Mom), and figure out what is the best thing to do. I would vote for drop unless that will really monkey wrench your degree progress.
-------------------- And now for something completely different... Posts: 4164 | From: Alabama | Registered: Oct 2005
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Unfortunately, the course is necessary for my degree. It's also only offered in the fall semester. AND there's only one section offered each year.
-------------------- My mom, about my nervousness with Jeopardy!: "Don't worry about it. Just get drunk and you'll do fine." Blog Just call me Mickey 2 Posts: 3295 | From: Radford, VA/Herndon, VA/Orlando, FL | Registered: Jan 2006
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There are some things I don't tell my mother, because I won't like her reaction. Not necessarily bad things, but just things that she'll blow out of proportion.
Her and I get along better that way.
Maybe you need to censor what you tell your mother.
And take Rhiandmoi's advise, it's good stuff.
-------------------- If you say you love ice cream, you better be dreaming of an orgy with Ben, Jerry, and one fine-ass chunky monkey.
-- My sister and poet extraordinaire, Joanna Hoffman Posts: 1475 | From: Los Angeles, CA | Registered: Jan 2006
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quote:Originally posted by Mickey is a weather girl: This is where my mom comes in. She knows I have the potential to do well. Which is great! She has faith in me! But yesterday, I was explaining how hard this class was for me, and she said that if I pass the class with a D, it's fine. Today, she's screaming at me (and hung up on me once) that I have a defeatist approach, and should do more to do better in the class. But she refuses to listen to me try to explain how messed up my professor's teaching style is, and how I can't talk to her after class (her office hours are during another class of mine).
It sounds like you have over-complained to your mom and she is finally done listening to it. Do you talk about this class every time you talk to your mother? Every other time? Every third time? Your mother is done talking and hearing about this subject. Especially when it sounds like every idea she throws at you to try and fix the problem is thrown back at her as "not possible" and you don't seem to be coming up with any solutions yourself. Your mother sounds a lot like me regarding complainers - if you aren't going to try to fix it, stop complaining about it.
Besides, let's look at the options she has given you:
quote:"Go to the tutoring center," my mom says. There aren't any tutors that can help with this class- or any course in the department.
Ok. Does the tutor center have any ideas or resources you can look at for the class? Some tutor centers may not have tutors working for them that can help you, but may have a list of people or or other centers that can. Don't just look at what tutors the center offers, but inquire if the center has volunteers or contacts that do cover classes they don't offer tutors for.
quote:"Go find a graduate student to tutor you." Yes, mom, because they aren't taking any courses and can help us out when we ask for it.
This is actually a really good option. Contrary to popular belief, grad students are not taking classes nor are they busy 24 hours a day. Just because they are fellow students and take classes does not mean that they automatically can't or won't tutor other students. Heck, where do you think the majority of tutors at the tutor center come from? Personally, I think this is your best option and you shot it down too quickly.
quote:"Ask the department head if there are more resources you can use." I did, Mom, the department head said that I should use the book, because that's the only resource my teacher would use.
IOW, everything you need to know is in the book. Since it apparently isn't working for you, check out the bibliography and the resources used to help write the book. The sources used there may help you out more than the textbook and put the information in words you can understand better.
My advice: Stop making excuses to make yourself feel better about doing poorly in this class. Either try to fix the problems you have with the subject and find solutions that will help you pass it, or if you feel you can't do this, or doing better in this class with this professor is an impossible task, then put aside your pride and drop the class (if you still can). Until you are able to decide which decision you are going to choose, stop mentioning this class to your mother when you talk to her. You have apparently filled your quota on complaints for this class and even if all the complaining makes you feel better, you are just putting unneeded stress on someone who can not fix the problem, is ignored and put down when she offers solutions, and doesn't need to add your problems to hers.
-------------------- I swear, it was funnier in my head. Yeah, I used to be pink. vanilla_pink. Posts: 2493 | From: California | Registered: Nov 2003
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Without giving away too many details, what is the topic of the course? Is it something that you could teach yourself in your spare time?
-------------------- "I wanna bite the hand that feeds me. I wanna bite that hand so badly. I wanna make them wish they'd never seen me." - Elvis Costello Posts: 2291 | From: The Banks of the Merrimack, MA | Registered: Jul 2004
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The course is language development from birth to five years. Believe me, I wish it wasn't necessary.
-------------------- My mom, about my nervousness with Jeopardy!: "Don't worry about it. Just get drunk and you'll do fine." Blog Just call me Mickey 2 Posts: 3295 | From: Radford, VA/Herndon, VA/Orlando, FL | Registered: Jan 2006
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quote:Originally posted by Mickey is a weather girl: The course is language development from birth to five years. Believe me, I wish it wasn't necessary.
Great. Your situation is the worst case, required for your degree, only offered once a year, only one section. Dropping the course would set back your degree one full year....
So now you need to come up with a way to pass the course. Is there anyone in the course who is doing well? If so, contact them and ask for help. If no one is doing well, talk to your department. I would hope the instructor would not be allowed to fail the whole class.
I would stil say ignore your Mom, but do whatever it takes to pass the course. Can you talk to the instructor and get extra credit to bring up your grade?
Good luck. I had a couple of courses like that (the E&M series, taught by a "brilliant" professor who could not teach). It was not fun.
-------------------- And now for something completely different... Posts: 4164 | From: Alabama | Registered: Oct 2005
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I respond the same way as your mother does when people complain and complain while insisting that nothing can be done. Just because she's your mother doesn't mean she's not human.
From other things you have said about your mom she sounds a tad controlling. Maybe this is her way of controlling this situation- she can't seem to help you, so she's rejecting the entire problem.
-------------------- Officially Heartless Posts: 3065 | From: The Montgomery County of the West Coast- Berkeley, CA | Registered: Nov 2005
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quote:Originally posted by Mickey is a weather girl: The course is language development from birth to five years. Believe me, I wish it wasn't necessary.
Is it how the material is being presented, or the material itself? If it's the former, then I would try to find a good introductory text and just try to do as much studying from that as you can. Afterall, most learning is not done in the classroom, but on our own.
-------------------- "I wanna bite the hand that feeds me. I wanna bite that hand so badly. I wanna make them wish they'd never seen me." - Elvis Costello Posts: 2291 | From: The Banks of the Merrimack, MA | Registered: Jul 2004
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quote:Originally posted by AdmiralDinty: Is it how the material is being presented, or the material itself? If it's the former, then I would try to find a good introductory text and just try to do as much studying from that as you can. Afterall, most learning is not done in the classroom, but on our own.
Good point. I've had more than one class where the lecture was a negative learning experience (I knew more about the topic BEFORE I went to class than after).
Another approach I've used is to find out what the instructor wants you to put on the exams. Forget about "learning" anything, just do what it takes to pass the tests. I took a philosophy course like that. All I learned was the prof. wanted us to parrot back some of his pet phrases, like "in the final analysis" and crap like that on the essay tests. I leanred nothing, got my "B", and got the heck out of Dodge...
Sad, but sometimes you have to ask, "What do you need to get out of this course?" If the only answer is, "A passing grade", then do what it takes to get that grade.
-------------------- And now for something completely different... Posts: 4164 | From: Alabama | Registered: Oct 2005
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quote:Originally posted by Mickey is a weather girl: I've tried talking to the teacher (she rushes to finish conversations because she has to go do something else...
Are you talking to this teacher when you catch her or have you made an appointment with her? I've found that if I can't make an instructor's posted office hours, they are usually willing to meet at a different time with an appointment.
Good luck with the class. I've had some teacher's that were very difficult to learn from, and I'm sure a few of my grey hairs are from them. Posts: 13 | From: Springfield, OR | Registered: Apr 2004
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You need to stop talking to your mom about our problems. I know it's hard -- I'm still working on that myself. But it's the best solution. Right now, all she's hearing about is the negative stuff. It's like the old adage, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." You need to start this policy with your mom.
With me, I was calling my mom to vent, so she was getting only negative stuff about DH and our marriage and our finances, so she was thinking things were worse than they were.
-------------------- Like every good third-in-a-series it contains a whole load of ewoks, ‘Clubber’ Lang, whey-faced Sophia Coppola, Sean Connery as the Pirate Captain’s estranged dad, a crappy CGI alien, and Richard Pryor on a donkey. -- Gideon Defoe Posts: 2211 | From: Harford County, MD | Registered: Oct 2005
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I had practically this same conversation with my daughter last night. Frankly I told her I have enough problems of my own without her unloading on me everytime she has a teacher she doesn't like or fails a lab or whatever. I too am sick to death of hearing this defeatist attitude and am sick and tired of being her one woman pep squad. I told her go to the prof and ask what she needs to do to get a better mark and then do it. In the past I have also given her, practically word for word the same advice your mom gave you about tutors, grad students etc. I also told her to stop whining about it if she isn't prepared to actually get off her butt and do something to help herself.
I also told her if she can't embrace university life and excel then she should think long and hard about why the hell she is even there. Especially on *my* dime.
So, Mickey if your mom isn't paying for your education stop unloading on her, she doesn't need to know every detail of your life. And if she is paying for your university I think she's probably giving you the same message I gave my daughter.
Get something positive out of the experience -- and good marks -- or find something else to do with your life.
-------------------- If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, it's just possible you haven't grasped the situation. - Jean Kerr Posts: 18428 | From: Ontario, Canada | Registered: Nov 2001
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I had a class like that, only offered one semester, and for one session, yet was a required class for my major. I basically figured out what the professor wanted, and just did what was needed to pass the tests. I managed to pass that class, but if it wasn't absolutely necessary for the degree, I would have dropped it. Sometimes that's the only way to get through a class like that, but I know how tough it is.
Posts: 223 | From: Long Beach, CA | Registered: Sep 2005
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I had similar problems with a stats prof when I was in school. In fact, roughly 2/3 of the class DID drop out. The two things that helped me were 1) I went back and talked to my freshman advisor. Even though I was no longer a frosh, he knew me and could offer advice, and 2)I went to the campus library and took out other books on the subject.
Good luck!
Posts: 31 | From: Pennsylvania | Registered: Jan 2004
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I e-mailed her just before posting this thread, and I went to check my e-mail. She responded
quote: I have concerns about several of the students who I think can do a lot better. I really want to see folks think in there instead of trying to memorize the right answers.
The rest of the quick e-mail said that she'd try to set me up with one of the second year grad students that she worked with in the speech path. clinic last year, because they understand what her idea of language development really is.
I know, after this rant, I deserve this, many times over.
-------------------- My mom, about my nervousness with Jeopardy!: "Don't worry about it. Just get drunk and you'll do fine." Blog Just call me Mickey 2 Posts: 3295 | From: Radford, VA/Herndon, VA/Orlando, FL | Registered: Jan 2006
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It sounds like it's just the instructor that you're having trouble with and not the material itself...so I would second/third the advice to try to learn as much as you can on your own with the book. It sounds like the only other option.
Sure, that'll probably be a lot more work than listening to someone summarize it for you in a lecture, but if you're not getting anything out of the lectures, can't get anyone else to help you, and can't drop the class, this may be your only option. You'll just HAVE to get yourself through this.
I had a chem class where the instructor was obviously brilliant, but could not teach us worth a lick. No lesson plans, disjointed lectures, long pauses while he figured out what to do/say next... I got an A in that class by reading the book and teaching myself, and by working closely with another student or two.
Good luck! I know it sucks, but you'll just have to get yourself through it somehow.
-------------------- "Oh, now we're going to start judging each other on things we've done?? Real fair!" Posts: 1114 | From: Cincinnati, OH | Registered: Oct 2005
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Is this teacher the only one who teaches the class? If not, talk to your advisor to see if you can drop the class without a penalty and sign up for the other class another semester, or possibly even transfer into that class this semester.
I've had teachers like that. No fun. TOTALLY sucks. Your mom stressing you out ISN'T going to make it any better. If she can't chill out, stop taking her calls for the time being.
-------------------- They just don't make crazed, beserk robots like they used to. --Sheen Estevez, Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius
If I manage to post something swipe-worthy that you would like to make your sig, you may do so with my blessing. Posts: 2486 | From: East Stroudsburg, PA | Registered: Oct 2005
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What ever you do don't stand up in class and fire the prof. They tend to fail you for that.
-------------------- Don't take life too seriously, you won't live through it. -- Bugs Bunny Posts: 3 | From: Huntsville, TX | Registered: Oct 2006
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quote:Originally posted by Mickey is a weather girl: Results!
I e-mailed her just before posting this thread, and I went to check my e-mail. She responded
quote: I have concerns about several of the students who I think can do a lot better. I really want to see folks think in there instead of trying to memorize the right answers.
The rest of the quick e-mail said that she'd try to set me up with one of the second year grad students that she worked with in the speech path. clinic last year, because they understand what her idea of language development really is.
Congrats! Is this the class teacher or the teacher you wish taught the class?
-------------------- I swear, it was funnier in my head. Yeah, I used to be pink. vanilla_pink. Posts: 2493 | From: California | Registered: Nov 2003
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Your mom sounds a lot like mine (sometimes.) Like bthyb, I refrain from telling my mother certain things, because I know what her reaction will be, and I know I won't like it. I also refrain from venting to her, because she, like your mom, tries to solve my problems when all I want is some sympathy. I mostly keep her clued in after the fact, or I present my problems as though they're already at least in the process of being solved. For example, instead of: "I'm so frustrated right now! I'm trying to write this paper, but the prompt is so unclear I have no idea what he wants! How the hell can I apply Freudian dream interpretation theory to a character that doesn't exist in a story where nobody dreams?" I would say, "Well, I've got to get going now. I have to skim over The Interpretation of Dreams so I can bullshit some essay applying it to the imaginary child in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Yeah, crazy assignment. I'll probably look up some Sparknotes or something. Anyway, gotta go. Love you." It was easier to vent to my dad; I just had to explain in advance that I was looking for catharsis, not advice. I also found my school's counseling center helpful in dealing with school-induced stress and the difficult people in my life. You probably get a certain number of sessions free. Might as well take advantage of it.
-------------------- "If God wrote it, the grammar must be infallible. Perhaps it is we who are mistaken." -MapleLeaf Posts: 977 | From: Boston, MA | Registered: Oct 2005
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quote:Originally posted by Mickey is a weather girl: Results!
I e-mailed her just before posting this thread, and I went to check my e-mail. She responded
quote: I have concerns about several of the students who I think can do a lot better. I really want to see folks think in there instead of trying to memorize the right answers.
The rest of the quick e-mail said that she'd try to set me up with one of the second year grad students that she worked with in the speech path. clinic last year, because they understand what her idea of language development really is.
Congrats! Is this the class teacher or the teacher you wish taught the class?
The class teacher. Which is why I'm so surprised.
-------------------- My mom, about my nervousness with Jeopardy!: "Don't worry about it. Just get drunk and you'll do fine." Blog Just call me Mickey 2 Posts: 3295 | From: Radford, VA/Herndon, VA/Orlando, FL | Registered: Jan 2006
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quote:Originally posted by Mickey is a weather girl: Results!
I e-mailed her just before posting this thread, and I went to check my e-mail. She responded
quote: I have concerns about several of the students who I think can do a lot better. I really want to see folks think in there instead of trying to memorize the right answers.
The rest of the quick e-mail said that she'd try to set me up with one of the second year grad students that she worked with in the speech path. clinic last year, because they understand what her idea of language development really is.
I know, after this rant, I deserve this, many times over.
I really hope you plan to tell your mother her suggestions were good ones and that your prof actually recommended one of them.
-------------------- If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, it's just possible you haven't grasped the situation. - Jean Kerr Posts: 18428 | From: Ontario, Canada | Registered: Nov 2001
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quote:Originally posted by Mickey is a weather girl: Results!
I e-mailed her just before posting this thread, and I went to check my e-mail. She responded
quote: I have concerns about several of the students who I think can do a lot better. I really want to see folks think in there instead of trying to memorize the right answers.
The rest of the quick e-mail said that she'd try to set me up with one of the second year grad students that she worked with in the speech path. clinic last year, because they understand what her idea of language development really is.
I know, after this rant, I deserve this, many times over.
I really hope you plan to tell your mother her suggestions were good ones and that your prof actually recommended one of them.
Actually, *I* asked if she knew of any tutors that could assist me. And I called my mom right away to tell her that I got a response.
-------------------- My mom, about my nervousness with Jeopardy!: "Don't worry about it. Just get drunk and you'll do fine." Blog Just call me Mickey 2 Posts: 3295 | From: Radford, VA/Herndon, VA/Orlando, FL | Registered: Jan 2006
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quote:Originally posted by Mickey is a weather girl: The class teacher. Which is why I'm so surprised.
Why are you surprised?
Contrary to popular belief, most professors/instructors (which is what we call them in college instead of "teachers" are not out there to make your life as difficultas possible. They are teaching the course possibly because it relates to their life work.
There is absolutely nothing so frustrating trying to teach when the students are obviously not getting it (or some of them are not getting it). Or are just trying to get by with memorizing, when you are teaching concepts.
From the circumstances, it sounds like the instructor was thrown into this situation at the last moment. That happened to me once. The result was a disaster. Everyone was unhappy.
And, isn't this the second time this week you have complained about one of your professors and unfair expectations?
I, too, am noticing a defeatest attitude. You are looking for someone else (a tutor, the dean, your mother) to get yourself out of this situation, rather than doing something on your own first.
I understand. I had a course in college (comparative physiology), in which, I, an A student, the Hermione Granger of the biology department, was in serious danger of getting a D. The problem was exactly the same: I kept trying to memorize stuff that was conceptual.I was in the prof's office weekly and got the same advice: you are trying to memorize. He tried to explain the concepts by using analogies, but I was too busy trying to memorize the analogies and didn't get the point.
I managed to pull a B out of my ass at the last moment. Part of it was due to a lab project, but part of it was due to nearly acing the final. You see, instead of flapping around in a tizzy about how I was just not getting it, I finally sat down and figured out what I was supposed to be getting. When I went in and asked what was different about the final that I did so well, he said "Nothing. You approached it differently. I knew you would get it. Well done!"
Good luck
-------------------- There are people who drive really nice cars who feel that [those] cars won't be as special if other people drive them too. Where I come from, we call those people "selfish self-satisfied gits." -Chloe Posts: 6995 | From: New Mexico | Registered: Oct 2004
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posted
First of all, I'm going to second a couple of sentiments already posted. Yes, I know your problem is on its way to being resolved, but for future reference:
Listen to Rhiandmoi, Christie, and vanilla, regarding what to do when you feel like complaining about problems in general.
Listen to Doug 4.7 and the others who offered suggestions regarding what to do about this problem in particular.
Now I want to address this:
quote:(Should I add to the stress that K called me last night, asking if I'd want to go see the play that's showing on campus this weekend? I said "We'll see" in a matter-of-fact tone, because I don't know if I want to go see the play with him)
The correct answer is "No." You don't want to go spend one-on-one time with your ex boyfriend. You don't want to see or hear from him for several months.
Tell him you're not allowed to talk to him until Amigone201 tells you otherwise
No, but seriously, get away from your ex. 100% Do not pass Go, do not collect $200.
Oh, and don't try to argue with him, explain yourself, or justify it. Just "No, I would prefer no contact whatsoever for a while," and hang up.
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