Mar 17 2013: Do you think that people would come back to learn after getting the degree (and job based on your example) that they went to school to attain? I agree with the beginning of your point, but I would find it hard to believe that students (especially type of students that prompted this question) would come back for learning whether it was free or not.
Mar 14 2013: I get what you are saying but I think it comes down less to SES (socio economic status) and more to the individual. I came from a lower SES (my families expected contribution based on my FAFSA was 0), but I still wanted to learn to improve myself. This is based on how I was raised. I know that a lot of factors can drive this sort of thing (SES, culture, etc.), but I think its less about privilege and more about values (which aren't always tied to SES).
Mar 14 2013: I agree with a lot of what you are saying! Until we can make those major shifts though, what thoughts do you have on starting small, one person at a time?
Mar 13 2013: I more so meant what can we realistically do now as opposed to drastic, long term changes like you mentioned (although those changes would be amazing).
Mar 13 2013: Sorry for not being clear. Geek culture being more widely embraced does not mean people are making friends with geeks. It means things formerly considered geeky are now becoming more widely embraced/mainstream.
Mar 12 2013: First and foremost, I thank you for your honesty Cody! although you may not realize it, you are not the type of student i am encountering. I 100% understand (and experience first hand in both undergrad and my masters work) what you are talking about as far as classes that feel pointless. most of these in my experience were my undergrad core classes where the teachers just seemed to be using the packet of what had been done last year to teach this year. what you are talking about in regards to connecting to your professor is exactly what i wish more student sought out. the whole topic of money paid for classes taken is big enough for its own question (and has likely been asked before), but what you are talking about is what i want to instill in more of the students I interact with. I am lucky enough to get to work with a lot of students in my department that get it, but it is the new students I want to help more. True, it could be that they will get there eventually, but I am trying to find more ways to help them see the merits of it (learning, regardless of whether it is in the classroom or from personal connection with faculty/staff) before they leave and look back on their college experience as a complete waste.
Mar 12 2013: i never thought about it that way. one of the things i teach my staff about is my favorite student development theory (by dr. baxter-magolda) that talks about self authorship. in case you are unfamiliar, in an nutshell, it talks about how people (especially those away from home for the first time) believe what they believe based on their surroundings and upbringing. being away from home is a powerful transitional phase that allows them to think on their own. i have framed that in my mind related to a lot of stuff (politics, religion, identity development, etc.), but never to views of school and learning. you have given me a lot to think about...i greatly appreciate it!
Mar 12 2013: "One of the real impediments to students' learning is people who just repeat the old trope that schools and learning are worthless." That...I get that a lot. I honestly see it as a big part of my life's work to shift that perspective. I appreciate the insight and encouragement Fritzie!
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A reply on Conversation: How can we best engage college students in the idea of learning instead of just getting a degree?
A reply on Conversation: How can we best engage college students in the idea of learning instead of just getting a degree?
A reply on Conversation: How can we best engage college students in the idea of learning instead of just getting a degree?
A reply on Conversation: How can we best engage college students in the idea of learning instead of just getting a degree?
A reply on Conversation: How can we best engage college students in the idea of learning instead of just getting a degree?
A comment on Conversation: Being considered a geek or being geeky seems to be popular now. What changes over the past decade or so have made this possible?
A reply on Conversation: How can we best engage college students in the idea of learning instead of just getting a degree?
A reply on Conversation: How can we best engage college students in the idea of learning instead of just getting a degree?
A reply on Conversation: How can we best engage college students in the idea of learning instead of just getting a degree?
A reply on Conversation: How can we best engage college students in the idea of learning instead of just getting a degree?