Well, I think it’s time for me to say “so long” to my part-time job at the college.  I’ve taught there for 10 years and worked there for 12 years in all.  The college has changed SO much!  It’s gotten much bigger, and the students for some reason seem less eager to learn.  At first, I taught in the traditional classroom and really enjoyed it.  For the past 5 years, I’ve taught online as well.  Since 2005, (due to Camille’s birth and our decision to HS), I’ve taught exclusively online.  Each semester, I’ve worked hard to reach my students, but to no avail.  It has become a chore and a source of stress and discouragement in my life.  The vast majority of my students seem to have little to no work ethic.  Each term, the drop rate is preposterous and, of those remaining, only about 30% pass (A, B, or C).  I’ve taken it personally for years – wondering what on earth I could do to help the students to learn.  It’s become obvious to me that I cannot help those who do not want to apply themselves and really want to learn.  It’s not just happening in my classes either.  It’s a problem in all Accounting classes on my campus.  Personally, I think the problem is with admission and pre-requisites.  My classes are very difficult – even with face-to-face interaction – and most enrolled students do not have the study skills necessary to pass the class.  I feel like it’s a losing battle.  Why do I see it as a battle?  It is because I want them to strive for excellence and to work hard.  I want them to love learning.  It’s the homeschooler in me, I guess.    I’m fortunate though to have 2-3 hard-working students each term (out of 60-65 students). 

I guess I just feel that my time and energy could be better spent instilling these values in my girls.  It frustrates me to no end to see some of that something-for-nothing attitude in Rachel and Sarah.  This has been a trying year with the stress of the move, the new community, the new HSing laws, a 3 year-old in the midst, a new high schooler and all the issues with her, marital stuff, etc.  *sigh*  I need to focus on the things that matter most.

I’m not sure how we’ll supplement my husband’s income, but I’ll think of something.  We’ve grown accustomed to the extra money each year.  I may consider teaching college courses in this area…at night.  I really could use a recurring get-away.  I feel like I’m gonna go BATTY at home each day and night with the kids and with no friends or no outlet.  Please pray for me (us) as we make this decision.

• Post A Comment! • Send to a Friend!

Posted by vegiemama

I'm sorry you'll have to give up something that you used to find enjoyable. Hopefully finding something locally will work out better than the online teaching. I have a friend who teaches a GED preparation course in the evenings and she experiences some of the same frustrations you're mentioning, but she also enjoys getting out for some more "adult" interaction thru her job.

• Permanent Link

Posted by floridasunsets

"Something for nothing" is the perfect description of the current attitude. I've been taking two college classes a semester for about 6 years now, and most of my instructors have expressed these same frustrations. Students are learning in school that all they have to do is breathe to pass most of their classes. On the plus sides, this attitude sure makes our homeschooled kids look a lot better, lol!
Betty
1Peter1:2b

• Permanent Link

Posted by bbullard

' It has become a chore and a source of stress and discouragement in my life. The vast majority of my students seem to have little to no work ethic.'

I have held a similar position in both traditional and for-profit campuses. In the latter case, I see all that you see, plus the fact that those colleges take students based upon who can afford to be there and not necessarily based upon whether or not the students are college material. It's not everyone, but the lion's share of the students make you think you're holding the hands of elementary-aged students, not helping full-grown adults to the next level. Also, the administrative requirements are horrendous, having little to do with learning, and everything to do with schools trying to justify an existence.

I have been blessed, even though it is contract work, to always have something to do, and generally, more to do than I sometimes am looking for. As you stated, we, too, have become accustomed to the additional income, but man, am I burned out. I wouldn't complain as the money has helped us out of debt, allowed us a savings account, and afforded all the "extras." Also, my husband has just come out of a trial on his job, so I'd feel odd bailing in the midst of everything he's endured.

I write to encourage myself as I encourage you. God is faithful, and if you stay with Him, He'll show you which way to walk, and it will be better than anything you could have thought of on your own. I look forward to hearing the praise report

• Permanent Link

Posted by sahmto4orMore

Wow, that is a really big decision!

You're not alone in your observations on the work ethic. I know a plumber who owns his own company and he fusses about how impossible it is to find anyone under the age of 40 who will really work and apply themselves to the job.

• Permanent Link