Oh goodness.. a very high-speed train, indeed! I have been in the same situation you are describing, where multitasking becomes the norm, and single tasks an exception. It’s quite frustrating, and there are certain tasks that you cannot do multitasking such as grading and reading, but your brain is used to the habit of thinking and doing multiple things while you are trying to focus on one single task.
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Oh goodness.. a very high-speed train, indeed! I have been in the same situation you are describing, where multitasking becomes the norm, and single tasks an exception. It’s quite frustrating, and there are certain tasks that you cannot do multitasking such as grading and reading, but your brain is used to the habit of thinking and doing multiple things while you are trying to focus on one single task.
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They do! I think that once I explain the studies that have been conducted on the effects of laptop use and cell phones in classroom, they understand that it is for their best interest (I also add the links of these articles to my Syllabus). We have sessions in which we use computers for research and I also make sure that I facilitate the process of note taking so that it does not impede on their learning. I also announce that if they have any strong objection, we can meet to discuss it. Remaining open to discuss and debate it is also key ?
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I understand your frustration. While the student body cannot be homogenized, as it is also diverse in itself, I do understand that some students are less willing to be challenged and learn with an open mind than others and it is a daily challenge for instructors, like you and I. I believe that it is important to let the students engage in a conversation with each other, in the light of readings from other sources rather than the professor solely. It is best to let them be exposed to different opinions and make their own mind and interpretations. While we (as instructors) can challenge our students, this goal cannot be achieved if students are not willing to listen or be challenged.
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“Thinking less about diversity and more about equal access to tools of upward mobility” You have a strong point !
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I really appreciate your authentic voice in this post. On your first point on being intuitive, I often tell my students that an instructor is the thermometer of the room. It is very important to have the situational awareness that allows you to read the ‘room temperature.’
Aside, I think empathy is a necessary quality. I often tell students that, after all, we are all human beings, we have our ups and downs. I care about them doing their best, and if they encountered any difficulty, I would try my best to help them.
Teaching is one of the most rewarding experiences (most days), I hope you will enjoy it!
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I really appreciate your authentic voice in this post. On your first point on being intuitive, I often tell my students that an instructor is the thermometer of the room. It is very important to have the situational awareness that allows you to read the ‘room temperature.’
Aside, I think empathy is a necessary quality. I often tell students that, after all, we are all human beings, we have our ups and downs. I care about them doing their best, and if they encountered any difficulty, I would try my best to help them.
Teaching is one of the most rewarding experiences (most days), I hope you will enjoy it!
In the French educational system, most of the undergraduate learning is primarily focused on lecturing. It is viewed to be necessary for students to learn how to take notes and listen to the lecturer. Whereas in the American system is mostly centered around interaction. It’s interesting how different educational systems perceive lecturing.
In the French educational system, most of the undergraduate learning is primarily focused on lecturing. It is viewed to be necessary for students to learn how to take notes and listen to the lecturer. Whereas in the American system is mostly centered around interaction. It’s interesting how different educational systems perceive lecturing.
In the French educational system, most of the undergraduate learning is primarily focused on lecturing. It is viewed to be necessary for students to learn how to take notes and listen to the lecturer. Whereas in the American system is mostly centered around interaction. It’s interesting how different educational systems perceive lecturing.
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