Slacker Instructor
So, I just started my first course online. The material is relatively interesting (considering it's an intro class), but I feel like this instructor is a complete waste. As far as I can tell, he provides no substantial feedback to anyone in the class, doesn't help facilitate the discussions, and when pressed, offers completely incomprehensible answers to questions.
First, he calls himself "Dr. Ron." Ron is his first name. If his last name was Bryzschykski or something, I could understand it. But his last name is Howard. Either be "Ron" or be "Dr. Howard", okay guy? I don't call my boss Mr. Jim. I don't call my dentist Dr. Bobbi. This annoys me, but I'm willing to set it aside.
I'm not willing to set aside the total lack of appropriate response to discussions, however. It's an online class. Posts and emails are all we have. I was excited to post my first big discussion answer and couldn't wait to have the instructor give me some further food for thought. Maybe he'd point me to an interesting article about Piaget or suggest I look up something extra about Maslow. Here's what I got from him: "Excellent perceptions and well written. Super work." Okay, well, that's nice. But... um... not really helpful.
The following week, I worked hard again on my post about the humanistic theory. I went well beyond what our book presented, bringing up additional psychologists, Buddhist philosophy, etc. Three days after I posted, I got this: "You are indeed a humanist. I admire your interest in Rogers and mindfulness. Thanks very good post." Can I be extra catty and point out the poor grammar?
So, I thought, I know the answer! I'll email him and privately discuss the fact that I'm not really getting what I need, and I'll be really nice about it.
I wrote to him, "This is my first time as an online student, and I'm trying to get used to the asynchronous format. Both my prior degrees were earned at small colleges where we had a great deal of instructor interaction, so in particular, I'm having a hard time with the lack of extensive feedback on my work. I know we don't get any official grades until after the first three weeks of discussion, but could I get some additional feedback from you before then?"
I just got this email back from him. "I will try my best to keep you in mind."
... the hell?
How about giving me the feedback I asked for? At least tell me you'll give me some more as soon as you can. Something? Please? I told a friend about it, and she thinks he sounds like a slacker. I'm inclined to agree. I've looked at his responses to other students, and they're exactly the same kind of thing. Generic. Uncritical. Unhelpful.
In addition, we're supposed to ask for two letters of recommendation from professionals who can speak to our academic abilities and our potential to become mental health counselors. Dr. Ron included a fill in the blank form for us to use, but never said if we had to use it or if we could get a regular letter of recommendation instead. So, I asked. He told me the form was attached to his previous post. Yeah, guy, that's not what I asked! Another student also asked the same question, and he told her that she had to turn the letters in by the end of the term.
Somewhere there is a major disconnect, and I don't know what to do about it. I do know that I hope I never get this instructor again.
First, he calls himself "Dr. Ron." Ron is his first name. If his last name was Bryzschykski or something, I could understand it. But his last name is Howard. Either be "Ron" or be "Dr. Howard", okay guy? I don't call my boss Mr. Jim. I don't call my dentist Dr. Bobbi. This annoys me, but I'm willing to set it aside.
I'm not willing to set aside the total lack of appropriate response to discussions, however. It's an online class. Posts and emails are all we have. I was excited to post my first big discussion answer and couldn't wait to have the instructor give me some further food for thought. Maybe he'd point me to an interesting article about Piaget or suggest I look up something extra about Maslow. Here's what I got from him: "Excellent perceptions and well written. Super work." Okay, well, that's nice. But... um... not really helpful.
The following week, I worked hard again on my post about the humanistic theory. I went well beyond what our book presented, bringing up additional psychologists, Buddhist philosophy, etc. Three days after I posted, I got this: "You are indeed a humanist. I admire your interest in Rogers and mindfulness. Thanks very good post." Can I be extra catty and point out the poor grammar?
So, I thought, I know the answer! I'll email him and privately discuss the fact that I'm not really getting what I need, and I'll be really nice about it.
I wrote to him, "This is my first time as an online student, and I'm trying to get used to the asynchronous format. Both my prior degrees were earned at small colleges where we had a great deal of instructor interaction, so in particular, I'm having a hard time with the lack of extensive feedback on my work. I know we don't get any official grades until after the first three weeks of discussion, but could I get some additional feedback from you before then?"
I just got this email back from him. "I will try my best to keep you in mind."
... the hell?
How about giving me the feedback I asked for? At least tell me you'll give me some more as soon as you can. Something? Please? I told a friend about it, and she thinks he sounds like a slacker. I'm inclined to agree. I've looked at his responses to other students, and they're exactly the same kind of thing. Generic. Uncritical. Unhelpful.
In addition, we're supposed to ask for two letters of recommendation from professionals who can speak to our academic abilities and our potential to become mental health counselors. Dr. Ron included a fill in the blank form for us to use, but never said if we had to use it or if we could get a regular letter of recommendation instead. So, I asked. He told me the form was attached to his previous post. Yeah, guy, that's not what I asked! Another student also asked the same question, and he told her that she had to turn the letters in by the end of the term.
Somewhere there is a major disconnect, and I don't know what to do about it. I do know that I hope I never get this instructor again.