Warning: this is really random
I feel like such a weirdo when I do 'live journal' related things at the school library. It's also the main San Jose public library (a union of academia and community; awww, how sweet), so I wonder what people think when they walk by and glimpse the screen?
I was also thinking lately about how much I care what other people think about me (i.e. like any normal human) and if I would be surprised, depressed, happy or know exactly what people did think of me. Hmmm, one of those abstract things.
I hate doing schoolwork, stresses me out. Here's my rant: In general, grad students are given a lot of reading. It is known by the professors and students that not all of this reading can be finished each week. If we did not have an internship (16 hours/week) and oral presentations (1-2 per class throughout the semester) on top of the midterms and papers and misc. assignments that normally accompany your average college class, then it could be possible. Especially if you're willing to sacrifice communication with other humans outside of your class, which most people are NOT.
Okay, so, basically, my question is *why* do the professors assign more reading than they know is possible to accomplish in a 24 hr day? My main guess has been: some people do sacrifice their lives to do all things school. I used to, so I can understand this reasoning.
Also, maybe it's to make sure a student can handle the pressure of committment, balancing time, work, and play,...
Especially in these long seminars where discussion is encouraged and practically begged from us, I think everyone would find it more satisyfing if only key readings were assigned in which it would and could be expected of students to complete on time so we can have a lively discussion! I try to skim/read everything, but I only learn of surface level information that doesn't carry over well in the classroom. Maybe I have to get more comfortable with only picking a few readings I think are the most beneficial/interesting to my education?
This was totally a blabbering of sorts, but it had to be done. Now I have to figure out if I should research, read research, read a textbook or work on a paper. Ahhh!
P.S. The internship went alright! At least that will be okay. Plus, I get to eat lunch in the staff room. Trippy, eh?!
I was also thinking lately about how much I care what other people think about me (i.e. like any normal human) and if I would be surprised, depressed, happy or know exactly what people did think of me. Hmmm, one of those abstract things.
I hate doing schoolwork, stresses me out. Here's my rant: In general, grad students are given a lot of reading. It is known by the professors and students that not all of this reading can be finished each week. If we did not have an internship (16 hours/week) and oral presentations (1-2 per class throughout the semester) on top of the midterms and papers and misc. assignments that normally accompany your average college class, then it could be possible. Especially if you're willing to sacrifice communication with other humans outside of your class, which most people are NOT.
Okay, so, basically, my question is *why* do the professors assign more reading than they know is possible to accomplish in a 24 hr day? My main guess has been: some people do sacrifice their lives to do all things school. I used to, so I can understand this reasoning.
Also, maybe it's to make sure a student can handle the pressure of committment, balancing time, work, and play,...
Especially in these long seminars where discussion is encouraged and practically begged from us, I think everyone would find it more satisyfing if only key readings were assigned in which it would and could be expected of students to complete on time so we can have a lively discussion! I try to skim/read everything, but I only learn of surface level information that doesn't carry over well in the classroom. Maybe I have to get more comfortable with only picking a few readings I think are the most beneficial/interesting to my education?
This was totally a blabbering of sorts, but it had to be done. Now I have to figure out if I should research, read research, read a textbook or work on a paper. Ahhh!
P.S. The internship went alright! At least that will be okay. Plus, I get to eat lunch in the staff room. Trippy, eh?!