I have mentioned in the past that I am currently the coordinator for a general education course. This course is mandatory for all who will graduate from the University. It is supposed to give them the tools to think “scientifically” (a.k.a. critical thinking). Each semester we offer about 20 individual sections of the course and serve about 600 students.
The curriculum for this course was conceived about 10 years ago, the delivery mechanism was modified about 5 years ago, and the organization/implementation has NEVER been established for either the students or the faculty.
As faculty are brought on-board to teach the class (usually kicking and screaming, and only agreeing because they need credits to fulfill their contractual agreements) they are given the titles and general topics that will be covered in the weekly “General Lecture” and set free to figure the rest out on their own.
This was my introduction to the course. Now I am managing it!
As you might guess from the above description, I do not think highly of the mechanics of the course and its instruction. I like the *concept* of the course, but in its current state it does not, IMHO, come close to its conceptual origins. My opinions are shared by some others in the faculty, and the majority of the students (as indicated by their course evaluations and desperate efforts to avoid the class).
Administrative “perception” – We are giving the students the necessary tools to be critical thinkers, assess science and technology as it pertains to their lives, and be informed citizens.
Faculty “perception” – We are giving the students an appreciation of science and its paradigms by chronicling how science has learned from itself and evolved as a discipline. This appreciation will OBVIOUSLY instill the importance of science and a desire to understand more about themselves and the universe.
Student “perception” – This is a useless course full of information that has no relevance to me or my life. It is a “hoop” through which I must jump (and suffer) in order to graduate.
My “perception” – This course has potential to show the relevance of asking and answering questions, whether in the realm of “laboratory science” or assessment of claims in advertising. This course is NOT A SCIENCE COURSE, it is a course about evaluating and concluding from whatever claims/evidence are given.
All that said, I opened my mouth about the problems in the course and got appointed the coordinator of the class. As such, I felt obligated to start “revamping” the curriculum in a manner that I felt worked better FOR THE STUDENTS. Of course, this is not what the faculty wanted. Although they might not be happy with the current curriculum, change means work on their part. BAD KADDEE!
For the last semester, I’ve been working to find consensus (OY VEY) about how to change or rearrange the curriculum. Finally, at the end of the semester, I simply presented my way. Now I am attempting to formulate a working “outline” with readings, activities, links and other professional support materials for the faculty.
Everyone thinks this is great! Kaddee is doing all the work! “But could you add [blah]?”, “How am I going to present [blah]?”, “Are WE going to do [blah]?”
All the questions are presented after praise about what a great job I am doing – NOW DO MORE. I am only one person. I am teaching other courses. (As a matter of fact, I am not even teaching in this class, just coordinating and doing the entire curricular review)
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY – I am leaving at the end of the semester to go home! There is only so much I can (and am willing to) do.
I suppose I got myself into all this, and I will get myself out – in about 6 months!
The sick-and-twisted part of all of this is that the University has not figured out who will replace me as coordinator of this HUGE general ed class. This (to me) means that all the work I am doing right now will backslide to the previous state as soon as I leave. It takes effort to move forward. Is there anyone who will put in that effort after I am gone?
….I am not sure what to say here. YOU are an outstanding person and doing and OUTSTANDING job in all areas. Will it make a difference? It has and it will. You are impacting the current students in the course. You have set the “bar” for future coordinators of the course. GOOD KADDEE!
“Is there anyone who will put in that effort after I am gone?:
To quote my beloved grandfather “will it really matter after I am gone?” You will be gone and making a difference in some other part of the world hopefully seattle, but who knows where)….knowing you, you will ALWAYS make a difference in the lives of those you touch/teach. It is comforting to know you are continually striving to do your best and make things better. We are fortunate to have you as a part of our world (Jack too, we are fortunate to have you AND Jack as a part of the world in which we live)….{gotta cut the schmultzy stuff… it is gonna ruin my reputation!}
Much love, Wendy