This picture is taken from the net, not one of my own students. But the sentiment expressed speaks volumes.
When I started teaching at KU in 2000 I was furious at all these accusations I hear from my colleagues about the inadequacy of our students, their reluctance to even read, their inability to function as students. I saw these as false accusations as I was always blessed by students who impress me, not only in their academic performance, but also in their willingness to take part in activities outside of the classroom, and in their honest desire to be good citizens.
What happened between 2000 and 2010? Up to a year or two ago, I would still see cases of promising students, ones who hungrily wait for my announcement of starting a book club, ones who attend some of the cultural functions I occasionally announce here, and ones who start their own projects (or at least try) outside of the university.
I am now correcting students’ papers and drafts. Call it frustration at the deteriorating level I am noticing, but for once in my life, I consider my job pointless. What can one semester or two do to fix damage that has taken place over an average of twelve years?
Is it time to quit my job?
** Maybe this post is just reflective of me. Maybe I’m just only seeing black now for personal reasons. Or maybe it really is time to blow up our educational system.
Hanan 