Question from a college frosh

kitty56
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:43:49 +0000

It’s not that unusual at the college level for profs to expect the students to bring themselves up to speed on certain material while the profs focus on a different level. This happens in Computer Science courses frequently where the prof expects the students to learn new languages and syntax on their own while the prof focuses more on the theory. It can be frustrating for the student but for those who can handle it, they can come out ahead and learn some important learning skills that’ll serve them well in the workplace.



Oh, how true! This is exactly one of the things my S is dealing with. He has been complaining about this CS prof all semester, but he is the only prof that teaches the required course this semester and next semester. So there are no options and he has to deal. He has been putting so many hours into his programs. Know what he said last night? He said he has the highest grade in the class and he seems to have the respect and admiration of the prof for his hard work. Mom just breathed a sigh of relief!

Yes, it’s hard, it’s college. And as I recall, you are at a Jesuit college, too. They make you work, they make you think. You are not a spectator in your education. They expect YOU to take ownership. (I was reprimanded when I called FA to find out if he was eligible for work study. They wanted HIM to make the inquiry).

Also, you said you could take A&P II at another college in the summer. Are you SURE they will accept that? S has to fill out forms and get advisor, dean and registrar approval before he can take a class elsewhere for credit at his university. And he never took any courses elsewhere that were for his major - just core requirements.