I’m still away at the Computers and Writing Conference at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA. There have been no R.E.M. sightings so far, but the conference has been quite good.
Anyway, another topic to discuss: a frequent EMUTalk.org reader suggested I post a link to this article from The Atlantic Monthly, “In the Basement of the Ivory Tower” by the anonymous Professor X. It is a piece in which he is lamenting the sad state of affairs of his mostly at-risk and under-prepared students in his first year English classes. There was quite a bit of discussion about this piece on one of the professional mailing lists that I’m on, and the basic conclusion was that Professor X doesn’t really know what he’s doing as a teacher and/or doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
But like I said, discuss amongst yourselves….
It’s interesting that after I read this article several weeks ago I thought about asking you what you thought of it…I think there was a whole lot of truth in it and I found it refreshing to see that point of view. I wonder if you were teaching at a community college how different your views about it would be, I am going to guess not as much…But hey, I am not the prof here:-)
There’s a lot of truth to what Professor X is saying about students who are returning, who are “at risk,” who have complicated lives, etc. We have a lot of students like that at EMU, though I am always reminded that EMU is not that unusual of a school in this regard when I come to an academic conference and talk with colleagues from around the country.
But without going into a tremendous amount of detail, I think there were two basic problems with what Professor X was saying. First, the course he was teaching sounded just horrible to me– not at all close to the “best practices” in the teaching of writing, and no where near the progressive program we have at EMU. Second, I don’t really think it’s his job to decide who and who isn’t capable of being taught. This guy is saying that these students don’t really “deserve” the chance at higher education. I don’t think he has that right.
If you want to read something serious and really good on student life, read MY FRESHMAN YEAR: WHAT A PROFESSOR LEARNED BY BECOMING A STUDENT, by Rebekah Nathan. This highly readable book is by an anthropology prof who spent a year living the life of a student at her school, doing field research. It’s brilliant, and while not online to my knowledge, well worth reading. Less than 200 pages, a quick read, and filled with insight.
Professor X’s piece, on the other hand, is the mad rant of a part time adjunct who is plainly filled with disdain for both students and for the profession of college teaching. He doesn’t like his students, his subject, or teaching. Why did the ATLANTIC deem this rant worth printing? Higher ed teaching has lots of challenges and issues; but Prof X does not serious discuss any of them. It’s mere sensationalsim, IMHO.
Thank you both for your comments. As someone who is contemplating starting a ph. d program and possibly envisioning a prof career sometime in my future I found it very interesting to read your views…But I must admit when I read this Atlantic Monthly article my first reaction was “holy s&(*Y^, this is what I may end up dealing with!!” and wondered if it is all worth it:-)
The Higher Ed Professional World is one of the most rewarding professions out there. Everyone who works at a college or university has an impact on the future decision makers of tomorrow. Yes, there are times when it is every stressful – but look at the bigger picture!
I will say for the Higher Ed Profession to be the most personally enjoyable you need to work/live at a college or university that fits your personality and you fit the personality of the campus culture. these two things go hand in hand. When you find that place you will be a match made in haven!
I am still in search of that place!