It's a good list overall. I have a few comments. One, a female professor would never be able to get away with this--especially the tone. Two, the concept that the classroom is a "safe space" is highly contestable. Safe for whom? Safe from what? I am not sure what issues Professor Dutch brings up in his classroom, but in women's studies many of us see that, as much as we would like the classroom to be a "safe space," it can be a very volatile and painful space for many. And finally, I think Professor Dutch, in his effort to stop the whining (I totally relate) fails to consider the various economic positions his students occupy. Having taught in the community college system, I have seen students who struggle to work and go to school, in part so they won't have to struggle as much, all the time. I used to take a hard line approach and then I realized how privileged I was to be able to go to school (and still go to school) and not have to kill myself to afford it. I didn't increase an essay or exam grade of a student I know worked, but there's a lot of wiggle room in assessment and I certainly did what I call "greater good wiggling."
I'm willing to bet that even Professor Dutch leaves some wiggle room, too. But sometimes, you just have to lay it down.
And you're right Ken--a female professor would have hell to pay if she issued this statement. I like to think some of them are willing to pay hell, nevertheless.
4 Comments:
It's a good list overall. I have a few comments. One, a female professor would never be able to get away with this--especially the tone.
Two, the concept that the classroom is a "safe space" is highly contestable. Safe for whom? Safe from what? I am not sure what issues Professor Dutch brings up in his classroom, but in women's studies many of us see that, as much as we would like the classroom to be a "safe space," it can be a very volatile and painful space for many.
And finally, I think Professor Dutch, in his effort to stop the whining (I totally relate) fails to consider the various economic positions his students occupy. Having taught in the community college system, I have seen students who struggle to work and go to school, in part so they won't have to struggle as much, all the time. I used to take a hard line approach and then I realized how privileged I was to be able to go to school (and still go to school) and not have to kill myself to afford it.
I didn't increase an essay or exam grade of a student I know worked, but there's a lot of wiggle room in assessment and I certainly did what I call "greater good wiggling."
By
ken, at
2:47 PM
I'm willing to bet that even Professor Dutch leaves some wiggle room, too. But sometimes, you just have to lay it down.
And you're right Ken--a female professor would have hell to pay if she issued this statement. I like to think some of them are willing to pay hell, nevertheless.
By
Diane, at
7:51 PM
I want to marry Professor Dutch. And he does geology! Rocks! I wonder how mr. delagar would feel about me bringing him home? delagar
By
Anonymous, at
2:31 PM
michael kors handbags, kate spade, nike air max, michael kors outlet online, nike air max, replica watches, cheap oakley sunglasses, uggs on sale, louis vuitton outlet online, ralph lauren outlet, ralph lauren polo, ray ban sunglasses, michael kors outlet online, michael kors outlet, burberry factory outlet, burberry outlet, oakley sunglasses, louboutin uk, nike outlet, uggs on sale, oakley sunglasses, tiffany jewelry, cheap jordans, tiffany jewelry, prada handbags, michael kors outlet store, louis vuitton, longchamp bags, louis vuitton outlet, gucci handbags, oakley sunglasses, louis vuitton handbags, christian louboutin, louboutin shoes, tory burch outlet, christian louboutin, prada outlet, oakley sunglasses, michael kors, uggs on sale, longchamp outlet, uggs outlet, ray ban sunglasses, uggs outlet, replica watches, nike free
By
oakleyses, at
10:34 PM
Post a Comment
<< Home