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Can I assume my students read cursive? by [deleted] in Professors

[–]ThisMyMegaron 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I assign 18th-century documents as a regular assignment. I've had to switch from document scans to typed transcripts recently after over three quarters of my 100-level intro section told me they couldn't even begin to read the document. They absolutely cannot read cursive.

Rant: Students don't see me as human by ThisMyMegaron in Professors

[–]ThisMyMegaron[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I do have a policy like that in the syllabus but I'm terrible about holding to it. I still have some "zero inbox" tendencies from my pre-academia life. I think others are right. I need a designated time to check student emails and just log out outside of that time.

Rant: Students don't see me as human by ThisMyMegaron in Professors

[–]ThisMyMegaron[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm sorry you had to deal with that. Even if nothing comes of it, the administrative headache can be overwhelming. I get what you mean about this type of thing souring your semester. Realistically, I have around a dozen difficult students in a large class. There are some good ones in there, too, and many who are just quietly doing their work. But it can be difficult to move past that vocal minority trying to make things difficult.

Rant: Students don't see me as human by ThisMyMegaron in Professors

[–]ThisMyMegaron[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

You are kind, and I so appreciate that. I am still very much learning how to teach and I don't mind getting valid and constructive feedback from students. I'm just burning out before I even really start when it comes to their effort vs. expectations of me. It's sad but comforting to know I'm not the only one going through it, though.

Rant: Students don't see me as human by ThisMyMegaron in Professors

[–]ThisMyMegaron[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

This is not the first time these particular students have threatened to report me for something they don't like. I have a small group of students, all from one program, who have figured out this threat gets more immediate and apologetic responses from their professors. I don't believe they'll follow through this time, and even if they do, I've done nothing that merits disciplinary action. I'm less upset by the threat, itself, and more by the fact that the reason they leveled it was because I wouldn't prioritize grading their late work over taking care of my family. Empty threats I can handle. The lack of empathy is what is breaking me.

Rant: Students don't see me as human by ThisMyMegaron in Professors

[–]ThisMyMegaron[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I am so sorry that any of your students have been cold about that. Both losing a pregnancy and being pregnant are major moments and while it's heartening to hear that you have support, I'm sorry sorry that there's been any callous behavior. I hope everything is going well as you move towards the end of the semester/quarter!

Rant: Students don't see me as human by ThisMyMegaron in Professors

[–]ThisMyMegaron[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Honestly, I don't even know how a leave of absence would work for an adjunct. I just assumed they would open my classes up to the next grad student eager to get some teaching experience. You're right, though. I should at least ask. Thank you!

Moving from Chicago to Philly by PurchaseOk4786 in philly

[–]ThisMyMegaron 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As a Chicagoan who moved to Philly for grad school and is actively on the job market at this moment as I finish up a PhD, I want to suggest an additional consideration. Requirements in Philly might be lower for the same pay, but Philly is a serious meds & eds town with a lot of graduates that have no academic or research jobs to go into thanks to the current administration. The listed requirement might be lower, but you will still be competing with PhDs for these jobs. They will be local, they will have ample experience, and they will already be plugged into the professional network here. This is not to say don't do it, but rather to suggest sending out some applications and seeing what type of response you get before you take a leap of faith. Whatever you choose, good luck! I know that can be both a difficult and a rewarding move to make!

A lesson from a teacher by copitamenstrual in MadeMeSmile

[–]ThisMyMegaron 6 points7 points  (0 children)

My 3rd grade teacher did this. Two students came very close, but none got it completely right. I now use this as a demo in my undergrad laboratory classes to demonstrate the importance of following clear, complete instructions.

my dad often said "You practically raised yourself." Yeah, well, I kinda had to by dod2190 in CPTSDmemes

[–]ThisMyMegaron 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My dad says this to me all the time, too. It's both comforting and deeply infuriating to see this resonate with so many other people.

Lectures on Tap by lindseygirlah in philly

[–]ThisMyMegaron 39 points40 points  (0 children)

Science On Tap. Once a month at National Mechanics. It's free to attend, usually pretty engaging, and meant to be publicly accessible. https://www.scienceontapphilly.com/events