I concur with Rhea's comments.
My 1st read was also that something difficult is bad.  Or that challenging means too much effort or above their abilities.
Not a good thing when faculty are actively working to challenge their students.

Dr. Jennifer Withington
Asst. Professor of Biology
SUNY Oneonta
116 Science I
Oneonta, NY  13820
607-436-3421

From: Teaching Breakfast List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Nowak, Rhea
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2014 2:57 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Are Your Assignments "Challenging"?

""Challenging" means an assignment that confusing or random; a frustrating assignment that doesn't make any sense or is inadequately explained."

Wow- Does this mean we have a generation of students that think something that is difficult is bad? A question that requires they ask questions to clarify is bad? And something where they can come up with the answer right away is good?

If I am reading this correctly this is something to be concerned about.

Best,
Rhea


Rhea Nowak
Associate Professor of Art
SUNY Oneonta
Ravine Parkway
Oneonta, NY 13820
607-436-2827


From: <Greenberg>, Jim <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
Reply-To: Teaching Breakfast List <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
Date: Monday, November 24, 2014 at 9:29 AM
To: "[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>" <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
Subject: Are Your Assignments "Challenging"?

"Challenging" means an assignment that confusing or random; a frustrating assignment that doesn't make any sense or is inadequately explained.