I've given up on my TA. - Page 2 - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Gilda · 02-18-2006, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shakran

You've touched on that theme many times. I'm not sure which college you teach at but at my college the students by and large were there for one thing and one thing only - getting their degree so they could get a decent job. They took classes that 1) filled requirements and 2) sounded easy. That's probably the type of student you're picking up as well - after all, reading courses in highschool were freaking easy right? Read "To Kill a Mockingbird," and manage to remember that it wasn't a hunting book, and you'd pass the unit. So naturally they're going to take YOUR class to fill their humanities requirement rather than some eastern philosophy class in which, they think, they'll have to work much harder.

Hmm. What I meant in terms of class selection is that, yes, they have to take a lit class, but they have a wide selection of them to choose from. If they don't want to be reading Russian and Chinese literature, this was a poor choice. There's more than enough variety for everyone to find something to their taste: American lit I and II, English lit I and II, World Lit I and II, Women's lit, Black American lit, The Short Story, Shakespeare, Modern Drama, The English Novel, The Modern American Novel, 19th Century English Novels, Epic Poetry, Intro to Poetry I and II, Children's lit, Adolescent lit (those are my two upper division classes) and a half dozen speial focus classes each semester. There's like, a thousand lit classes to choose from. Or, more like 20, but there's so many that it doesn't make sense to choose something you're not going to enjoy.

I did run into a couple of guys who thought Children's lit would be a cruise because they'd be reading children's books, but they dropped when the found out how wrong they were.

Quote:

College kids, especially these days, have their mind on their career. They're only interested in learning what will further their chosen career. And unless the kid intends to become a literature professor, they're not real worried about learning how to interpret literature.

Learning to read critically is a skill that can be aplied to a variety of working situations, not just by lit professors. It's also something that can greatly enhance quality of life by bringing a deeper understanding of recreational reading, and produces a more well-rounded education. This isn't a trade school, it's a liberal arts university.

Quote:

years and years ago when I was in college I saw the same thing in my journalism classes. Some of the people in the class actually had a marketing major, and the radio class was required for them as well. They didn't give a flying crap about journalism, and it was very frustrating to do newscasts with them because all they wanted to do was fool around and make stuff up (hence the marketing major, I suppose).

That sucks.

Quote:

The kids in your class are no different. The few who are actively discussing the material are either future lit teachers or are genuinely interested in the subject. The majority are trying to do their time until they get a degree and can start making money.

Ok, granting that as true, it still doesn't make any sense to choose a world lit class when there are twenty other lit classes to choose from. That a lit class is required, and another six hours of humanities that most students fill with lit, doesn't mean they have to take any one particular class. They can choose something they're actually interested in learning.

I guess it just doesn't make sense to me because my problem is college was never having enough time to take all the classes I wanted, to take advantage of this incredible opportunity to learn as much as possible about the world, and not just in English and History (I was an English/History double major). It just doesn't make sense to come here, to one of the 50 best college/universities in the country and pass time when there's such a wonderful opportunity to improve youself.

I just can't get why they wouldn't want to take advantage of this opportunity to read a lot of great stuff--not just good stuff, but truly great literature, inspiring and deep and powerful--and learn about these cultures that produced this stuff. This isn't a chore, it's an opportunity to learn directly from someone who's an expert in the field, something they get to do over and over and over again. They have access, all in one place, to several hundred experts in a huge variety of fields all there for the purpose of helping them to help them improve themselves.

Dang it. More rambling frustration. I just can't see why, if they're there, they don't take advantage of the situation to learn as much as they can.

Gilda

shakran · 02-18-2006, 07:25 PM

there's all sorts of reasons they'd choose yours over others. Your class fits their schedule better. The hot girl/guy they've been chasing is taking it and this is a chance to be with them 3 days a week. Hell you said yourself you're openly homosexual - - could be some of 'em are curious to see if "them lesbians act diffurunt than us folk do."

And as far as reading comprehension being useful no matter what you do. . .well, you know that, and I know that, and so does just about everyone else that's *graduated* college already, but these dumbasses probably don't know that yet -- - or if they do know that, they don't care.

Hell, I teach photojournalism seminars to photojournalists from time to time. These are people who's careers DEPEND on them constantly improving their craft. Half the time they're just fucking around waiting for the seminar to be over so they can go have a night on the town, on their station's dime.

And while you say the liberal arts education is not a trade school, that is NOT how many student see it and it is certainly not how many students think it should be. And remember, you are fighting a bigger battle than you think. I'm sure you're a good professor from what I've read of your posts in here, and elsewhere on TFP, but many profs are utter crap, their classes are a waste of time, and that conditions the students to think "dammit, college is an exercise in bullshit, I just wanna do my time, get out, and start making money."

Hell I had a history prof once who told us that the Teapot Dome scandal was the direct cause of the prostitution epidemic in Holland. Take enough crap classes like that and you too will get a jaded outlook on college.

The point of all this is that, you as the professor cannot concern yourself with the boneheads who won't take advantage of what you have to offer. You'll go nuts and be a burnout in 3 semesters. Teach those who want to learn. Fail those who do not, but don't take it personally.

Jinn · 02-20-2006, 09:18 AM

I think you should take a chunk of time and be a writer too..

Although you've never directly managed someone, I've no doubt in your teaching or writing skills. Passages like:

Quote:

I talked to Dr. KGB today about my TA. As usual, she was parked in my big leather armchair reading when I came back from my Children's lit class, and Sissy was doing something at my computer over in the corner. The Olympics were on on the TV, with the sound down low but not quite off, and Sissy seemed to know everything that was going on without ever actually looking directly at the screen. She's freaky that way.

It sounded like a very good book and it makes me want to read chapter 4 of Gilda and the Assistant..

ubertuber · 02-20-2006, 10:30 AM

Gilda, your situation reminds me of the Robert Frost poem, Mending Wall. I have a feeling you're familiar with it, but if not, it is totally google-able. The last line is one that I think should be singled out - "good fences make good neighbors".

The point is that clear boundaries make it easier for people to interact in heirarchical situations like yours. I'm not saying that you crossed any lines, but for many people, fuzziness invites the sort of issue you're having. It's kind of like having a puppy - some people think that loving them and spoiling the sh!t out of them is the best thing to do. However, this can lead to an anxious dog if spoiling them means letting them get away with stuff. A happy puppy is one who lives in an environment with consistent rules - so they know what to expect and how to behave.

Clear boundaries, known expectations, and consistent consequences take a lot of the personal anguish out of working relationships. At least, that's worked for me so far...

Gilda · 02-20-2006, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ubertuber

Gilda, your situation reminds me of the Robert Frost poem, Mending Wall. I have a feeling you're familiar with it, but if not, it is totally google-able. The last line is one that I think should be singled out - "good fences make good neighbors".

The point is that clear boundaries make it easier for people to interact in heirarchical situations like yours. I'm not saying that you crossed any lines, but for many people, fuzziness invites the sort of issue you're having. It's kind of like having a puppy - some people think that loving them and spoiling the sh!t out of them is the best thing to do. However, this can lead to an anxious dog if spoiling them means letting them get away with stuff. A happy puppy is one who lives in an environment with consistent rules - so they know what to expect and how to behave.

Clear boundaries, known expectations, and consistent consequences take a lot of the personal anguish out of working relationships. At least, that's worked for me so far...

Hmm. The traditional interpretation of that poem is that the the thinking of the neighbor who says that is outmoded, that he repeats it because his father said it without really thinking about the consequences, hence the description of him as a caveman late in the poem. The narrator believes that the wall is an unnecessary and artificial barrier that keeps them from truly knowing each other.

Still, not being a more authoritative boss probably didn't help me out.

Gilda

ubertuber · 02-20-2006, 06:52 PM

I should have been more precise - I meant MY point, not the point of the poem. It was just the last line that made me think of your situation.

At any rate, you're getting a new TA soon, yes?

Gilda · 02-20-2006, 07:10 PM

Let's play a game of Guess Who:

Guess who didn't leave any reflection notes over the class she taught Friday, or for that matter, any notes whatsoever to tell me what she'd discused with the class? Guess who wasn't there for our conference today? Guess who wasn't in class today? Guess whose cell phone was turned off and didn't return the message I left her today?

I know what you're thinking: 'Gilda, that's not how you play Guess Who. You're supposed to ask about age and sex and hair color one category at a time until you've eliminated everyone but one of the people, and that's who your opponent has.'

I love that game! I can't get Sissy to play it with me any more. She loved it when we were both living at home. Of course, she was maybe eight the last time we both lived at home, so it could be that she's outgrown it. It's a crying shame, I tell you what.

Anyway, this isn't that kind of Guess Who. It's really guess who, with small letters. I'm an English professor; I should be more careful with my capitalization.

Oh, here's one: Guess who isn't my TA any longer?

When I went to the department head's office to ask that she be reassigned, the assistant in charge didn't even ask why.

"What class was this for?" she asked.

"Masterpieces of World Lit." I told her.

"Let's see who we have available." She did some typing at her computer. "Ok, it looks like everyone's taken that one, so we shouldn't have any problem finding a replacement. Hmmmm. We can't give you another fellow, but we've got a few who can use the work-study credit. Would it bug you to have a work-study TA?"

"Nope. Not if they can attend class and get the work done."

"Good thinking. You want me to pick someone, or send you a few people to interview?"

"You know of someone reliable?"

"Yeah. We've got a couple of people who've been needing something and didn't have a place for them."

"Send me someone good."

"You can expect someone by Wednesday. You already told TA?"

"Not yet. Haven't been able to get ahold of her today."

"You want us to notify her, or you gonna do it?"

"I'll do it."

"Tell her to check in here. If she doesn't we'll be contacting her Wednesday morning. You sure you don't want us to do this?"

"Yeah."

"Good luck."

"Thanks."

That was remarkably easier than I'd expected. I'm not sure if I should have interviewed the new people or not. I wouldn't really know what to ask. I am going to have to get ahold of TA tomorrow and tell her so that she hears it from me and not the department office.

I'm still feeling guilty about dumping her, and I'm dreading telling her. I'm half hoping she'll be out of touch tomorrow and take things out of my hands. I probably should have let the office take care of it, but I thought that if I were being fired, I'd want to be told directly and know exactly why. And it'll give me a chance to pracitce being authoritative.

Gilda

Sweetpea · 02-20-2006, 07:12 PM

don't feel guilty, you did what you had to do!

i am most happy you will be getting a REAL TA

not some... what was it... 'lazy ass bitch'

sweetpea

ubertuber · 02-20-2006, 07:20 PM

I think it's nice that you're going to tell her yourself. That shows a lot of decency and respect on your part Gilda.

Gilda · 02-20-2006, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpea

don't feel guilty, you did what you had to do!

i am most happy you will be getting a REAL TA

not some... what was it... 'lazy ass bitch'

sweetpea

To be fair, it was Sissy who called her that.

I hope the new person is either ugly or a guy. No sexual tension that way.

Gilda

Martian · 02-20-2006, 07:58 PM

Gilda,

Wow. I'm very impressed right now; what you did took some serious courage. That said...

First off, she wasn't taking her role seriously. I meant it when I said she brought this on herself. Part of being in a supervisory position is learning that; there's a sort of studied indifference that the role demands. She may use this to turn her academic career around, or she may continue on as she's been. Either way, you need to do what's best for you.

Also, a lot of it goes back to what I've said before. Once you take the steps and get out there, you realize that the reality isn't nearly as bad as you've been expecting; you've built it up in your head into this big traumatic experience. This wasn't as hard as you thought it would be. The next time you find yourself in a tough situation you'll be able to draw on the experience gained here and it will be even easier. Eventually you'll find that you are able to perform the role as expected with little trouble. It's scary at first, but it gets better.

I'm proud of you and I'll play Guess Who with you any time.

cyrnel · 02-20-2006, 08:27 PM

Congratulations, Gilda. That's a big step. It's always nice to look forward.

Consider she may already know this is coming. If she got wind of things through her channels (someone you spoke to earlier?) she may have been avoiding the inevitable Friday.

Good luck with the last bits, and with breaking in the new TA!

albania · 02-21-2006, 03:57 PM

An interesting predicament; I think you handled the situation well.

Gilda · 02-21-2006, 04:12 PM

I put this in my journal already, but she basically showed up today to collect a few things, apologized for not pulling her weight, and didn't make a fuss. I got an e-mail from my new TA (that was really quick; there must be more potential applicants than there are spots) and sent one back to meet me in my office an hour before class tomorrow so that we can talk.

Gilda

maleficent · 02-21-2006, 04:30 PM

give yourself a pat on the back -- ya done good!!!

Rodney · 02-21-2006, 04:58 PM

You got it done. Good for you.

Maybe your old TA learned something from this; I hope so.

02-20-2006, 10:30 AM	#44 (permalink)
ubertuber spudly Location: Ellay	Gilda, your situation reminds me of the Robert Frost poem, Mending Wall. I have a feeling you're familiar with it, but if not, it is totally google-able. The last line is one that I think should be singled out - "good fences make good neighbors". The point is that clear boundaries make it easier for people to interact in heirarchical situations like yours. I'm not saying that you crossed any lines, but for many people, fuzziness invites the sort of issue you're having. It's kind of like having a puppy - some people think that loving them and spoiling the sh!t out of them is the best thing to do. However, this can lead to an anxious dog if spoiling them means letting them get away with stuff. A happy puppy is one who lives in an environment with consistent rules - so they know what to expect and how to behave. Clear boundaries, known expectations, and consistent consequences take a lot of the personal anguish out of working relationships. At least, that's worked for me so far... __________________ Cogito ergo spud -- I think, therefore I yam

02-20-2006, 06:52 PM	#46 (permalink)
ubertuber spudly Location: Ellay	I should have been more precise - I meant MY point, not the point of the poem. It was just the last line that made me think of your situation. At any rate, you're getting a new TA soon, yes? __________________ Cogito ergo spud -- I think, therefore I yam

02-20-2006, 07:10 PM	#47 (permalink)
Gilda 32 flavors and then some Location: Out on a wire.	Let's play a game of Guess Who: Guess who didn't leave any reflection notes over the class she taught Friday, or for that matter, any notes whatsoever to tell me what she'd discused with the class? Guess who wasn't there for our conference today? Guess who wasn't in class today? Guess whose cell phone was turned off and didn't return the message I left her today? I know what you're thinking: 'Gilda, that's not how you play Guess Who. You're supposed to ask about age and sex and hair color one category at a time until you've eliminated everyone but one of the people, and that's who your opponent has.' I love that game! I can't get Sissy to play it with me any more. She loved it when we were both living at home. Of course, she was maybe eight the last time we both lived at home, so it could be that she's outgrown it. It's a crying shame, I tell you what. Anyway, this isn't that kind of Guess Who. It's really guess who, with small letters. I'm an English professor; I should be more careful with my capitalization. Oh, here's one: Guess who isn't my TA any longer? When I went to the department head's office to ask that she be reassigned, the assistant in charge didn't even ask why. "What class was this for?" she asked. "Masterpieces of World Lit." I told her. "Let's see who we have available." She did some typing at her computer. "Ok, it looks like everyone's taken that one, so we shouldn't have any problem finding a replacement. Hmmmm. We can't give you another fellow, but we've got a few who can use the work-study credit. Would it bug you to have a work-study TA?" "Nope. Not if they can attend class and get the work done." "Good thinking. You want me to pick someone, or send you a few people to interview?" "You know of someone reliable?" "Yeah. We've got a couple of people who've been needing something and didn't have a place for them." "Send me someone good." "You can expect someone by Wednesday. You already told TA?" "Not yet. Haven't been able to get ahold of her today." "You want us to notify her, or you gonna do it?" "I'll do it." "Tell her to check in here. If she doesn't we'll be contacting her Wednesday morning. You sure you don't want us to do this?" "Yeah." "Good luck." "Thanks." That was remarkably easier than I'd expected. I'm not sure if I should have interviewed the new people or not. I wouldn't really know what to ask. I am going to have to get ahold of TA tomorrow and tell her so that she hears it from me and not the department office. I'm still feeling guilty about dumping her, and I'm dreading telling her. I'm half hoping she'll be out of touch tomorrow and take things out of my hands. I probably should have let the office take care of it, but I thought that if I were being fired, I'd want to be told directly and know exactly why. And it'll give me a chance to pracitce being authoritative. Gilda __________________ I'm against ending blackness. I believe that everyone has a right to be black, it's a choice, and I support that. ~Steven Colbert Last edited by Gilda; 02-20-2006 at 07:18 PM..

02-20-2006, 07:12 PM	#48 (permalink)
Sweetpea Fade out Location: in love	don't feel guilty, you did what you had to do! i am most happy you will be getting a REAL TA not some... what was it... 'lazy ass bitch' sweetpea __________________ Having a Pet Will Change Your Life! Looking for a great pet?! Click Here! "I am the Type of Person Who Can Get Away With A lot, Simply Because I Don't Ask Permission for the Privilege of Being Myself"

02-20-2006, 07:20 PM	#49 (permalink)
ubertuber spudly Location: Ellay	I think it's nice that you're going to tell her yourself. That shows a lot of decency and respect on your part Gilda. __________________ Cogito ergo spud -- I think, therefore I yam

02-18-2006, 07:25 PM	#42 (permalink)
shakran Tone.	there's all sorts of reasons they'd choose yours over others. Your class fits their schedule better. The hot girl/guy they've been chasing is taking it and this is a chance to be with them 3 days a week. Hell you said yourself you're openly homosexual - - could be some of 'em are curious to see if "them lesbians act diffurunt than us folk do." And as far as reading comprehension being useful no matter what you do. . .well, you know that, and I know that, and so does just about everyone else that's graduated college already, but these dumbasses probably don't know that yet -- - or if they do know that, they don't care. Hell, I teach photojournalism seminars to photojournalists from time to time. These are people who's careers DEPEND on them constantly improving their craft. Half the time they're just fucking around waiting for the seminar to be over so they can go have a night on the town, on their station's dime. And while you say the liberal arts education is not a trade school, that is NOT how many student see it and it is certainly not how many students think it should be. And remember, you are fighting a bigger battle than you think. I'm sure you're a good professor from what I've read of your posts in here, and elsewhere on TFP, but many profs are utter crap, their classes are a waste of time, and that conditions the students to think "dammit, college is an exercise in bullshit, I just wanna do my time, get out, and start making money." Hell I had a history prof once who told us that the Teapot Dome scandal was the direct cause of the prostitution epidemic in Holland. Take enough crap classes like that and you too will get a jaded outlook on college. The point of all this is that, you as the professor cannot concern yourself with the boneheads who won't take advantage of what you have to offer. You'll go nuts and be a burnout in 3 semesters. Teach those who want to learn. Fail those who do not, but don't take it personally.

02-20-2006, 07:58 PM	#51 (permalink)
Martian Young Crumudgeon Location: Canada	Gilda, Wow. I'm very impressed right now; what you did took some serious courage. That said... First off, she wasn't taking her role seriously. I meant it when I said she brought this on herself. Part of being in a supervisory position is learning that; there's a sort of studied indifference that the role demands. She may use this to turn her academic career around, or she may continue on as she's been. Either way, you need to do what's best for you. Also, a lot of it goes back to what I've said before. Once you take the steps and get out there, you realize that the reality isn't nearly as bad as you've been expecting; you've built it up in your head into this big traumatic experience. This wasn't as hard as you thought it would be. The next time you find yourself in a tough situation you'll be able to draw on the experience gained here and it will be even easier. Eventually you'll find that you are able to perform the role as expected with little trouble. It's scary at first, but it gets better. I'm proud of you and I'll play Guess Who with you any time. __________________ I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said - Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame

02-20-2006, 08:27 PM	#52 (permalink)
cyrnel Adequate Location: In my angry-dome.	Congratulations, Gilda. That's a big step. It's always nice to look forward. Consider she may already know this is coming. If she got wind of things through her channels (someone you spoke to earlier?) she may have been avoiding the inevitable Friday. Good luck with the last bits, and with breaking in the new TA! __________________ There are a vast number of people who are uninformed and heavily propagandized, but fundamentally decent. The propaganda that inundates them is effective when unchallenged, but much of it goes only skin deep. If they can be brought to raise questions and apply their decent instincts and basic intelligence, many people quickly escape the confines of the doctrinal system and are willing to do something to help others who are really suffering and oppressed." -Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media, p. 195

02-21-2006, 03:57 PM	#53 (permalink)
albania Psycho	An interesting predicament; I think you handled the situation well.

02-21-2006, 04:12 PM	#54 (permalink)
Gilda 32 flavors and then some Location: Out on a wire.	I put this in my journal already, but she basically showed up today to collect a few things, apologized for not pulling her weight, and didn't make a fuss. I got an e-mail from my new TA (that was really quick; there must be more potential applicants than there are spots) and sent one back to meet me in my office an hour before class tomorrow so that we can talk. Gilda __________________ I'm against ending blackness. I believe that everyone has a right to be black, it's a choice, and I support that. ~Steven Colbert

02-21-2006, 04:30 PM	#55 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	give yourself a pat on the back -- ya done good!!! __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

02-21-2006, 04:58 PM	#56 (permalink)
Rodney Observant Ruminant Location: Rich Wannabe Hippie Town	You got it done. Good for you. Maybe your old TA learned something from this; I hope so.