Melinda Reading Notes #5

I found this section of reading material to be the most helpful.  This section discussed issues that I know are going to be problem areas for me: finding and balance and “student incivilities” (Lang, 252).  I was a little disappointed that Lang talked more about balancing the various work obligations.  I was waiting for him to discuss balancing work and family/social activities as well.  This is something I would like to discuss with the class.  I know Tara mentioned the professor she interviewed made a deadline and then she stopped.  Did anyone else’s interviews offer other advice?
 
I know we would like to believe that all students are going to be the poster child, but in reality it is not going to happen.  I like how both authors separated this from academic dishonesty, which is something I may have done.  I am not a confrontational person like Lang (252).  Knowing that he was the same and sharing his strategies for handling unruly students seemed a little more doable.  I particularly like the suggestion for writing an observation about the behavior on an assignment (252-253).  This is probably what will work for me best, even if it is passive-aggressive.  I also really liked his consequences for cell phones going off in class (254).  Although, I can see some student doing it to see if I will follow through on the threat.  
 
Lang talking about having sexual attraction towards a student was very surprising (258).  You usually hear of those stories going the other way around.  I also like how he makes it very clear that you should not have a personal relationship with the student you have your school boy/girl crush on even if they aren’t in your class.  He even suggests that it still shouldn’t happen even a few years after they have left the school.  
 
I think that setting up standards from the beginning of class is a very key strategy (Davis, 48-49).  Lang has mentioned that it is better to be more strict at the beginning and loosen up as the semester than vice versa (I can’t find the page!).  It needs to be very clear at the beginning what behaviors and/or pet peeves you will not tolerate(Lang 11).  Students cannot, at the very least, claim ignorance.  
 
I did really appreciate Davis’s discussion (51-53) about “Teaching in Times of Crisis and Tragedy”.  I think this is an often overlooked area.  Ironically my class the day of Sept.  11 was psychology.  He spend sometime talking about how this would probably affect us.  He said if it was overwhelming to come talk to him and told us where the counseling center was too.  Is it something that want to do?  No, but we should be aware of the possibility that it can happen.  
 
I would like to discuss student evaluations.  How do others feel about the idea from Davis (462-467) and Lang (274-279) about seeking earlier feedback than at the end of the semester.  Which techniques do others think they would use or wouldn’t use?
 
 
 
Multiple Choice Question:
 
Which of the following is NOT a typical characteristic of white collar criminal?
) Older than 40s
) Highest education level is a high school diploma
) Male
) Has a power position in occupation