(no subject)
It has been my experience that broadly speaking college instructors fall into certain pre-defined categories when it comes to their personality types and teaching styles. I thought it might be fun to share what I have gleaned.
The Missed Calling
They say each of us has a purpose in being put here on planet Earth. These people ever found theirs and so they became teachers. Monotone delivery, hour long power points read verbatim, and the ability to make you feel slightly guilty for asking a question. If you can somehow manage to make it through one of their courses your reward will be to have a bit more appreciation for the people who actually know what they are doing behind a lectern.
The Empty Seat
So named because they don't care if you are there or not. In fact they don't care about you at all. Their job is to come in, lecture for 50 minutes, and then leave. Good luck trying to engage them on any level other than a question asked in the two minutes after class ends. Expect the answer to be less than 30 seconds in length. I hope you like reading because that's the only way you will past the tests.
The Teachers
These are the rank and file of education. Almost every one you meet will rise to this level, either on their way to greatness or to the empty seat. Provided you actually come to class you can learn a lot from these folks.
The Motivators
Rare are these indeed. These are the teacher from whom you not only learn, but who inspire you to move on with your life in some way. Most usually their most useful lessons will have little to do with the subjects they teach.
As for personality, that breaks down nicely into four categories.
Laid Back
If these people were any more laid back they would be comatose. They redefine laissez-faire. Come to class or don't. Read your book or don't. Show for tests or don't. You will likely wind up making top marks anyway. While these classes are nice in a busy semester, it's very hard to learn much from them.
Hands on
Again, this is most of the teachers you come across. They are actively engaged in facilitating your education. There are no free passes here, but they also know how to be fair. If you can show them you are trying and are actively engaged in the course, chances are you will do well.
Type A
What do you mean you can't remember that Hypostelous sold two shekles of wheat to his neighbor's brother in 221? Don't you realize how stunted the rest of your education will be if you can't remember a few basic facts about ancient cultures? Beware the type A's. Most of them are rage bombs just waiting to explode all over your academic career. Give it a few years and they will be empty seats, or in a room with soft walls drooling on themselves.
The Perfectionist
You see how the guy above was trying to teach you their subject? The perfectionist already assumes you know it and when they realize you don't it counts against you. What do you mean you can't show a doctorate level of understanding in this 2000 level course? What, they didn't site Poole's objection from section 91 sub paragraph 41 in their discussion of the subject. Obviously they don't deserve an A. Don't even bother trying for a top grade from a Perfectionist. You are a lowly undergrad and nothing you ever do will approach the perfection they are looking for.
The Missed Calling
They say each of us has a purpose in being put here on planet Earth. These people ever found theirs and so they became teachers. Monotone delivery, hour long power points read verbatim, and the ability to make you feel slightly guilty for asking a question. If you can somehow manage to make it through one of their courses your reward will be to have a bit more appreciation for the people who actually know what they are doing behind a lectern.
The Empty Seat
So named because they don't care if you are there or not. In fact they don't care about you at all. Their job is to come in, lecture for 50 minutes, and then leave. Good luck trying to engage them on any level other than a question asked in the two minutes after class ends. Expect the answer to be less than 30 seconds in length. I hope you like reading because that's the only way you will past the tests.
The Teachers
These are the rank and file of education. Almost every one you meet will rise to this level, either on their way to greatness or to the empty seat. Provided you actually come to class you can learn a lot from these folks.
The Motivators
Rare are these indeed. These are the teacher from whom you not only learn, but who inspire you to move on with your life in some way. Most usually their most useful lessons will have little to do with the subjects they teach.
As for personality, that breaks down nicely into four categories.
Laid Back
If these people were any more laid back they would be comatose. They redefine laissez-faire. Come to class or don't. Read your book or don't. Show for tests or don't. You will likely wind up making top marks anyway. While these classes are nice in a busy semester, it's very hard to learn much from them.
Hands on
Again, this is most of the teachers you come across. They are actively engaged in facilitating your education. There are no free passes here, but they also know how to be fair. If you can show them you are trying and are actively engaged in the course, chances are you will do well.
Type A
What do you mean you can't remember that Hypostelous sold two shekles of wheat to his neighbor's brother in 221? Don't you realize how stunted the rest of your education will be if you can't remember a few basic facts about ancient cultures? Beware the type A's. Most of them are rage bombs just waiting to explode all over your academic career. Give it a few years and they will be empty seats, or in a room with soft walls drooling on themselves.
The Perfectionist
You see how the guy above was trying to teach you their subject? The perfectionist already assumes you know it and when they realize you don't it counts against you. What do you mean you can't show a doctorate level of understanding in this 2000 level course? What, they didn't site Poole's objection from section 91 sub paragraph 41 in their discussion of the subject. Obviously they don't deserve an A. Don't even bother trying for a top grade from a Perfectionist. You are a lowly undergrad and nothing you ever do will approach the perfection they are looking for.