Dear TBers,
As a relatively new member to the faculty
(<5 years) (there are 100 or so others who fit into that group), I am not
familiar with the “old” system of scheduling. However, I assume the problems
associated with it were significant enough to warrant abandoning it for the
current system. I would like to
make clear that I am not in favor of any class scheduling system that would not
utilize all five days of the week.
My earlier question was more rhetorical than literal.
Bill
William R. Proulx, Ph.D.,
R.D.
Chair and Associate
Professor
Department of Human
Ecology
607-436-2705
-----Original Message-----
From: Teaching Breakfast List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of James R. Ebert
Sent:
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: REGlobalized Teaching
Breakfast
Dear T-B folks,
I just returned from a conference, so I am a bit behind on my
e-mail. I am just now catching up on this discussion. I must say that I am
troubled by talk of returning to our old, illogical schedule of class times
such as M, W 10 and Th 11. This so-called “system” was confusing
for students and I think had an impact on attendance. I think it also
contributed to something that I have not encountered at other colleges and
universities – that is, the seemingly unique-to-Oneonta idea that the
weekend starts on Thursday night. Hence, there are three nights of the week
available for abusing oneself with various substances. I find it difficult to
believe that this does not have an impact on academic achievement, not to
mention retention of students.
If the issue is time for faculty research, then I suggest making
better use of the existing schedule. Schedule your classes on M,W,F and you
have TWO days for research rather than one (see old “system”
above). Or, if you are really ambitious, schedule your classes on T,Th only and
have THREE days for research.
So, those are my two cents coming from a conference and travel
addled brain.
Jim
Dr. James R. Ebert
Earth Sciences Department
SUNY Oneonta
-----Original Message-----
From: Teaching Breakfast List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Bill Proulx
Sent:
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: REGlobalized Teaching
Breakfast
Hi
Achim and TBers,
My thinking is that having Bill Grau
be part of any discussion on scheduling and classroom utilization, at least
initially, would help enlighten members of the teaching group about the
many issues related to scheduling, teaching patterns, and classroom
assignments. Although the TB group is not an administrative forum that
shouldn't preclude administrators from contributing to the group in a
meaningful and productive way. Before we work to change anything,
shouldn't we understand it in its current form. I agree with
Achim that this is a timely and important discussion.
On another note: if we want faculty
of all ranks to have a day to do research then why do we want students to be
here five days a week? When the students are gone I can get to the things
I can't when they are here. It seems a M-Th or a T-Fr class schedule would
better meets the needs (or wants) of both students and faculty. Just a thought.
Bill Proulx
Chair, Human Ecology
Associate Professor of Nutrition
From: Teaching
Breakfast List on behalf of Achim Koeddermann
Sent: Mon 11/8/2004
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: REGlobalized Teaching
Breakfast
Dear All
this does not address the problem from the teaching faculty side: I believe
(like Bill) that figuratively speaking the boat is NOT full - but the
underutilized timeslots are only PART of the problem: getting students to stay
here the entire week is another, and giving faculty of all ranks at least one
day off for research is another. I believe that in this case, the NEED of
students might not coincide with their choice - who doesn't want to sleep
in! I believe that this group is not an administrative forum - so Bill
would be the wrong person in this circle. HOWEVER, BILL's concerns in
this case are mine!
your Achim
"Thoughts without content are empty, intuitions without concepts are
blind."
Immanuel Kant, Critique of Pure Reason, “Transcendental Logic,”
Introduction, # 1
Dr. Achim D. Koeddermann
Associate Prof. of Philosophy
"Gedanken ohne Inhalt sind leer, Anschauungen ohne Begriffe sind
blind"
-----Original Message-----
From: Teaching Breakfast List on behalf of Bill Proulx
Sent: Sun 11/7/2004
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: REGlobalized Teaching Breakfast
TBers,
The issue of classroom utilization and scheduling was discussed at the
most recent Council of Chairs. Bill Grau was invited to the meeting and
he provided invaluable insights into the scheduling process.
It is apparent the utilization (and availability) of classroom resources
is driven by several factors. The most influential seems to be
"faculty" and student preferences for the 10-2 time slots, especially
T-Th. My guess would be that the preference for these times isn't
driven by teaching needs. I believe Bill said that any class scheduled
before 10 and after 2 could pretty much choose the classroom they
wanted. It was also pointed out that it is impossible to argue
(legitimately) for increased academic space when existing space is
significantly underutilized.
I would suggest that any discussion about class scheduling and classroom
assignments include Bill.
Bill
William R. Proulx, Ph.D., R.D.
Chair and Associate Professor
Department of Human Ecology
607-436-2705
-----Original Message-----
From: Teaching Breakfast List [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On
Behalf Of Achim Koeddermann
Sent:
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: REGlobalized Teaching Breakfast
Thank's, Bob,
dear all:
what do you think about a debate on teaching times and patterns? With
Fitzelle renovation, the classroom availablility will drive a decision -
but it SHOULD be driven by academic, TEACHING needs (suggstion: find a
way to utlilize the ENTIRE week (5 days) and ENTIRE DAYS (morning
classes before 10)....
your Achim
"Thoughts without content are empty, intuitions without concepts are
blind."
Immanuel Kant, Critique of Pure Reason, "Transcendental Logic,"
Introduction, # 1
Dr. Achim D. Koeddermann
Associate Prof. of Philosophy
"Gedanken ohne Inhalt sind leer, Anschauungen ohne Begriffe sind
blind"
-----Original Message-----
From: Teaching Breakfast List on behalf of [log in to unmask]
Sent: Fri 11/5/2004
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: REGlobalized Teaching Breakfast
Hi Achim,
Like so many things in the world, Globalization can be both good or bad,
depending on what it means (thanks Janet) and how it is done. If one
sees it as the greater awareness of living in a single world, I believe
it is good (although can still be used in bad ways); if one sees it as
the expansion of McDonalds all over the world, some greater discussion
might take place, but I would see this as bad.
Bob
________________________________
From: Teaching Breakfast List on behalf of Achim Koeddermann
Sent: Thu
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: REGlobalized Teaching Breakfast
Dear
intersting topic for a meeting - and I wondered STILL going to my
class: is globalization a GOOD or a BAD thing? What became of the
meeting?
PS: I did't get a chancer: does this group play a role in the Teaching
celebration next week? It should, it has been best in keeping ME
informed
your Achim