For the record

I am starting this blog during a recitation section. I’m writing this in the back of my notebook. Why? Because I’m bored. The student to my right is staring blankly into space, while the guy to my left is fiddling with his Blackberry. Everyone is bored. We’re sitting in class, silent, minds numbing as the TA goes through the material, as the material goes through our ears.

“Any questions?” the TA asks. Unfortunately, we have none because we don’t even know what to ask. “What’s going on?” is a question in our heads, but never gets asked. What’s worse is that such a question doesn’t get answered till midterms and finals. We scramble to learn the formulas, cram late nights making allowed cheat sheets. Most of us pass the classes but soon forget most of that “stuff” as we launch ourselves to freedom during breaks. Another year.

Many people can agree that students themselves have a responsibility to keep up with classes on their own. But perhaps an equal amount of the responsibility lies with professors, TAs, and the overall education system. Now I won’t go so far as to suggest revolutionary paradigm shifts. I am just a student. I’ve never thought about becoming a teacher. I still don’t really want to. Maybe a TA at most…

But I have started noticing things: what makes awesome professor and what makes horrible ones. And regardless of how “good” the students are, they deserve better. The road between effective learning effective teaching is a two way street.

This blog could just be a personal record. I never want to forget how bored I was as a student. Should I ever become a TA, or (hell) even a professor, I don’t want my students to go through the same things again.

At the same time, I’d like to hear your thoughts. It’d be nice to know I’m not the only one complaining of boredom. It’d be even better if people offer suggestions.

Everyone deserves better.