| Sorry if my comment about the chemistry professor was unclear. I guess it's the issue that, at present, I find the most irritating. To try to elucidate...
Apparently the Chemistry Prof. (I think it's 5.111 - Klibanov) this semester is resisting students' requests for reading assignments and practice problems. Indeed, perhaps "dismissive," would be the more accurate word to describe his attitude. Students are irritated that, during the Fall semester, a different professor taught the same course, and was more willing to anticipate student needs.
I am a teacher, and do not encourage "hand holding" or "spoon feeding." I certainly do not think that providing reading assignments is "spoon-feeding!" In my many years of graduate school, I did not come across a professor who did not, at the very least, suggest readings to accompany his/her lectures. It's a simple task for any teacher/professor to do -- at the very least it may be considered a courtesy. To me, if a prof. does not do this, it's more reflective of a lack of care -- he just can't be bothered -- rather than a determined, well-thought-out pedagogical philosophy.
I realize that MIT enjoys the "suck-it-up-be-resourceful" attitude, but time is precious, students want to do well, they appreciate equity, and I don't understand why such seemingly small requests are dismissed.
I'm happy for Mollie that she had such positive experiences. Perhaps, as time progresses, my child might have better luck with professors. But, to date, child has been taught by big names -- but they enter the lecture hall, give their party-pieces, and make a hasty retreat -- leaving the students to fend for themselves and/or seek out t.a.'s of varying levels of competence.
For $50,000 a year I just think there should be a little more care -- again, not hand-holding, just more of an effort to be reasonable. |