Monday, February 12, 2007

POLLING ALL READERS!

Test day is Thursday. The first of two midterms. For the first time, I might get to see all 25 students in my class (well, maybe).

HERE IS THE NEWS: so far, now only days before the midterm, NOT ONE student has gone to tutorial. I am totally shocked. No one.

So, let's do an online poll. WHY has not one single student gone to tutorial? (a) I am so good at teaching this subject that my students can answer all the questions in the textbook just from hearing my talk? (b) They are smart enough to learn the material on their own? (c) They are calling me out? Asking to be failed? (d) They are just planning on sending me 5000 emails the night before the test?

Please answer now! Just do it. Humour me.

11 comments:

Emily said...

I say they are being over confident...and if they feel that know it so well. Well, i say CHALLENGE THEM on that mid term!! :) and about option d> why would you let them email you the night before?? craziness! if anything they should be in class early if they have a question! oooh dear :P I bet your a great teacher! Perhaps they arnt because you've taught it so well that they do feel that they understand, unless they fear you hahaha..i cant see that one..:P

Jenn said...

Well, I'm a little unclear as to what exactly you are teaching, and where. But, my vote is that as far as tutorials go, if you can get out of them without losing participation marks, most students will get out of them - laziness. But, also they are probably overconfident because the classes are so good (obviously). Maybe if you really really challenge them on the midterm they will realize the error of their ways and start attending more frequently.

Anonymous said...

Wait.. what midterm? Was this scheduled? What pages do I have to read? Does this count for our final mark? Can I take a makeup test next week?

Canadian Economist said...

Thanks for your votes. So far: 2 votes for laziness and 1 failing grade! Spudman: best of luck in next year's class.

Canadian Economist said...

madjenny, sorry, to answer your question: I am teaching a second year economics class at the bigger place just outside of the quad ... is that clear? ;-)

Jenn said...

Wow! That is totally cool! It is kind of my dream to be one of the people who could do that sort of thing some day. Although I might prefer the interior of the quad. I liked those classes better. But still. Fantastic! What a smartypants.

Anonymous said...

I am in agreement with all of you... I would not miss one opportunity to see you - so they should be punished by a very difficult mid term to help them see the errors of their ways! give them questions from 3rd year!
that will get their attention!

way to go Daniel Econ boy

Canadian Economist said...

UPDATE: After class tonight four students stayed to ask questions during my office hour. AND: I saw three students I had never seen before - they were the ones with the look of shock and awe as I review the material. O’yeah, I had a great class tonight. Shock, awe, and even that funny grin some of them give me.

Emily said...

Responding to Madjenny's comment, I think, what would be cool and super sly would be to be a T.A. They get it pretty nice, meaning they can be a total ass hole and the prof will be the one who has to put up with the student’s angry rants. Hehehe, just kidding. I wouldn’t ever be an ass hole, but i think we all know that some T.A.'s are crazy, just as equal as the profs. Also being able to be the crazy invisible marker would be like being a evil villain in a comic book and that alone nifty!!

Anonymous said...

Well, I've had a total of 1 student come to my office hours this semester.... My vote is: "Ohmygod, I'm an undergrad, and my boyfriend is acting weird and my roommate is depressed and I have a million other midterms, and my student loan papers and I know I should go to tutorials but...."
Amy

ps - Chalk holders from the dollar store. If you can't find one, I'll send you one!

Canadian Economist said...

Thanks Amy! Check n check. Your a pro at this; I have so much to learn.