Student Guide Corner

I am now halfway through my 42 nd year as a college teacher.    This semester (like all semesters) had its ups and downs.    There were days when every student seemed brilliant and days when no one seemed to be able to count to four.      I don�t think I taught any geniuses but almost every student appeared capable and, hopefully, gained something of lasting benefit.    I started with 73 students and a total of 16 finished with the grade of A.    I always hope for more excellent work but 21.9 percent was not bad.    I try not to contribute too heavily to grade inflation. At the end of every semester, there are always a few students that I wish I had handled differently.    I often ponder them long after class has ended.    With 73 students, it can be difficult to get an accurate read on each student at the beginning of the semester.    Some need carrots to do well and some need sticks. ...

This is my 125th blog entry in the last 25 months. When I started this site, I promised myself that I�d try to do at least 15 entries. My guess is that I would have quit long ago were it not for the many kind emails that I have received. Thanks � I love hearing from people who tell me about their own love of teaching and the challenges they face each day. Today�s entry is broken into several individual parts. PART ONE � I travel around the country 3-5 times per year to give teaching programs and presentations. Invariably, at each stop, some teacher will ask in complete exasperation �why should I even try to do better? The students do not appreciate what I do. They certainly don�t appreciate when I try to make them work and think.� It is very tough to spend the time necessary to move toward excellence if you believe that no one appreciates you. It is hard to put out so much energy if no one cares. I often think deans and department chairs ought to be required to pat as ...

The world of education lost a truly wonderful teacher this past week. I had only known Tom Hindelang for a year or so but I cannot remember meeting another person who so loved teaching. He truly understood the power and importance of education and my life is better for having had the opportunity just to be around his enormous enthusiasm. You could not talk with Tom for long without getting excited yourself and wanting to be a better teacher. This article gives you a sense of this man and his love for students. He was truly a wonderful human being. https://www.lebow.drexel.edu/hindelang