Comments for Adjunct Assistance

Comment on Teaching Male College Students by Angela

Angela — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:21:10 +0000

I completely agree with the message here and as a mother of a very bright 21 year old man-cub who struggled so much at the hands of female teachers who stifled his curiosity and natural leadership to the point of humiliating emasculation in his senior year of highschool, I have grieved at the loss of that boy I watched who fearlessly approached life and who now walks with the slumped shoulders of a gamer in reclusive safety. The texts, “Real Boys,” and “The War on Boys” should be read by any teacher interested in the deep learning and success of all his/her students. Because, quite frankly, the majority of our successful female teachers had the advantage of strong, confident female role models who (deservedly) were the products of the civil rights and feminist movements. Our boys, many of them at least, have no means of recourse in these environments where they have no real voice.

I speak from more than anecdote. I’m a Community College instructor, and your figures that suggest the 70/30 split between women and men in the college classroom is not just a growing trend. It’s the norm. In fact, my classes typically begin with that 70/30 ratio and, by mid-term, has dwindled to a disturbing 90/10. What you’re proposing is very real and perhaps something even difficult for women in particular to consider.

My son’s girlfriend is a good example. While he can’t open a door for her or pull out her chair at the dinner table because of the hostile response he gets and, “I can do that myself” attitude; the lessons in loyalty, protection and courage that my late husband and I tried to impart to our son as noble aspects of masculinity are not only disregarded in this educational climate but, indeed, punished.

We do need more services for our boys and men. This is not to say that there be none for women or to say that all men are held under the thumbs of women. No indeed. But it is to say that for every “women’s success” center that opens with the enthusiasm of the Ya Ya Sistahood there is a negative correlation of support for our boys and single fathers.

I realize that this post has been a circuitous response to your very focused presentation on men and their challenges in school, please keep spreading this message.

With sincere regard,
AB

Comment on Chemistry Learning Game by Francisco d'Anconia

Francisco d'Anconia — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:50:52 +0000

Cute Game Guys ! My 3 year old got a kick out of it.

Comment on 6) Terms & Def’s by jERRY

jERRY — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:03:05 +0000

It is unfortunate that faculty have to take this approach and that parents are impacted. But adult students have privacy rights that must be respected. Unfortunately DOE sees it differently and has weakened FERPA with more exceptions and lax sharing rules..

Comment on An Instructor’s Guide for the First Day of Class by Joseph Taylor

Joseph Taylor — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:50:15 +0000

From “Tools for Teaching” Excellent! This is the info which I’ve been looking for so long. Thanks for posting. I really need it. Thankyou for all these helpful and inspiring collections of tips, tools, teachings.

Comment on How College Faculty Should Ask Their Students Questions by Paul

Paul — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 13:04:35 +0000

Cathy, This dilemma confronts many college instructors. Your question has prompted me to start writing an article on this topic, which I will publish soon. Try Socratic questioning and keep it light hearted so as to create an atmosphere that puts students at ease. Here is a simplistic example to illustrate what I mean: Course: SFT101 – Home Safety Instructor: [addressing entire class] What should you do every night before going to bed? Class: [no response] Instructor: Let me ask this, has anyone of you ever been robbed? Class: [shrugs] Instructor: Take a look at the handout I gave you last class period, specifically the part about evening safety. Class: [some students pull out the handout] Instructor: [addressing a student looking at the handout] Ricki, so what do you think? What should you do every night before going to bed? Ricki: Let the cat out? Class: [laughs and snickers] Instructor: [acknowledging the bit of humor] Yes, but will your kitty be able to keep a burglar from entering your house? Ricki: If he is big enough. Class: [More laughs.] Instructor: Okay, seriously, what should you do each night before going to bed to make your home safe and secure? Ricki: Lock the doors? Instructor: Correct! And by the way, Ricki, how big is your cat?

Comment on How College Faculty Should Ask Their Students Questions by Cathy Cowing

Cathy Cowing — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:18:53 +0000

Enjoyed your article. I wonder, when you ask a question to the class and NO one responds, do you then pick out someone and put them on the spot? I try to avoid that but it seems to be the only way to draw them out. Also, I am intrigued by the idea of an online question and question option and since I am a brand new adjunct at OCCC hope that it is available and I can figure it out. Thanks!

Comment on What Scares College Instructors Most? by Paul

Paul — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:24:51 +0000

Carlos,

Every first time instructor should feel nervous. It’s a sign that you care and have high standards. My advice: 1) Accept the fact that you may be nervous in front of your students, at least in the beginning, that’s normal, 2) Build a good relationship with your students. Get to know them and relate to them, and they will work with you to make improvements, 3) Seek help for even the smallest things. If you don’t like the way a class went, share it with someone more experienced to get advice, 4) Use 1-minute papers to get honest, open feedback from your students, and 5) Build on the positives. Absolutely do not tell your students that you have no prior college teaching experience, but don’t lie if they ask. Make sure your students know the experience you bring to the classroom and show your passion for the subject.

If you want to contact me directly/privately, email me at: hummelpaul@aol.com

My sense is that you will do fine.

Comment on What Scares College Instructors Most? by Carlos M. Camacho

Carlos M. Camacho — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 19:47:24 +0000

Hello,

I am a first time instructor and I am scared that I will fail my students. I am teaching at a community college and am the product of a 4 year university and was given many opportunities and led to so much personal growth by instructors, and I feel I won’t be as helpful for students. I am prepared to teach and will work hard and give it my all but I fear that I will not be as helpful. I don’t know if I want this published.

Comment on 4) Send Me a Message by Michael

Michael — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 18:27:52 +0000

Dear Paul,

Thank you for putting up this Blog to help adjunct instructors. I followed a similar route – 30 plus years in the steel industry, retired and staarted teaching part time and love it.

I am putting a link to your site in my newsletter from ActiveAdjunct.com. Although primarily a jobs site narrowly focused on adjunct faculty, we do send out a newsletter listing resources and articles that may be of interest to faculty and administrators.

Thanks again for doing this.

Michael – CEO/Founder
http://www.ActiveAdjunct.com

Comment on Dealing With Difficult College Students by Hanging in the Gallows

Hanging in the Gallows — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 14:10:09 +0000

I have had a group of students to go to my Program Director and my Dean and have essentially had me REMOVED from ever teaching them again!! Any suggestions on how to proceed???