[aklug] Re: The Paradox...

On Fri, 13 Nov 2009, Christopher Howard wrote:

> Thanks. Last night's note was written in that moment of desperation that
> always seems to hit about 1:30 when its seems like their just isn't any
> break from homework. I was under a little more pressure because this
> last two weeks my math prof has assigned about three times as much
> homework as she usually does.
>
> In perspective, I realize my homework load is probably pretty light
> compared to some of the Seniors I know, who are doing Calc 3 and Linear
> Algebra and fancy jazz like that. So I know I just need to buckle down,
> work hard, and get things done.
>
> To be honest though, I still sometimes wonder if the system as a whole
> doesn't need to be tweaked. The general expectation from most teachers
> is that a person will spend "2 hours outside of class on homework for
> every 1 hour in the classroom." That's somewhat unrealistic for even a
> single guy working part time, not to mention people who work full time
> and have a family. The result is that, in a lot of degree programs,
> university education tends to be something that consumes most of your
> personal life, both on weekdays and weekends.
>
> But then, I guess a guy could always just take less credits if he felt
> like he wanted a lesser load. But then, if a guy drops below twelve
> credits, he is no longer considered a "full time" student, and so he has
> to start paying his student loans back, and he isn't eligible for
> financial aid or student work positions... something of a vicious cycle
> there.
>
> Well, boo hoo, woe is me... :) Off to class now.

Definitely a challenge, no doubt. And you're right, that ratio of time
spent in & out of the classroom does seem a tad unreasonable.

         --Arthur Corliss
           Live Free or Die
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Received on Fri Nov 13 10:39:13 2009