tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529647435872563341.comments2023-07-05T06:55:53.577-04:00College Ready WritingLee Skallerup Bessette, PhDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243750156552824701noreply@blogger.comBlogger454125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529647435872563341.post-67990095416267286272014-03-14T15:02:23.444-04:002014-03-14T15:02:23.444-04:00And this post pretty much sums up my experience as...And this post pretty much sums up my experience as an academic mom. A fellow academic mom referred me to your site and this blog in particular. Thank you so much for posting! It's comforting (but also terribly sad) that we share similar experiences with this double standard, and the expectations from academia that you should be a mom or a dedicated academic. My story is very similar, right down to the part about choosing to have a more balanced life and less prestigious academic position. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529647435872563341.post-46230500653078907462012-12-11T15:08:27.790-05:002012-12-11T15:08:27.790-05:00Hi Dr. Skallerup, I realize I'm commenting on ...Hi Dr. Skallerup, I realize I'm commenting on this post over a year after the fact, but I felt compelled to comment anyway. I'm a librarian at a community college in New York, and coordinate the library instruction/information literacy program here. I sympathize with your frustrations, I've had similar experiences with students. Jami is right, part of a librarians responsibility at colleges/universities is to offer appropriate library instruction to assist faculty/students. Where I work, many of these are done as "one-shots" where the faculty member consults with us before-hand, informing us of a particular research assignment their students will be working on, then we design an instruction around that. Most of these are done in English/Comp classes but we're trying very hard to promote library instruction across disciplines and for higher level courses since students can't learn everything there is to know about research in one class, and the research skills often need to be tailored according to the discipline they're studying. If you haven't already I would definitely contacting one of the librarians on campus to ask about instruction. We tend to be a rather helpful bunch normally. :-)Carleen Huxleyhttp://www.carleenhuxley.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529647435872563341.post-25030596059216525142012-10-10T13:51:26.040-04:002012-10-10T13:51:26.040-04:00The other day in my grad class, my professor sugge...The other day in my grad class, my professor suggested listening to NPR. I listened for about 5 minutes before deciding that it was not for me; glad I'm not the only one in the academic world that can't stand talk radio. I would much prefer some lively DJ banter and upbeat rock and roll any day. Unfortunately (or fortunately?), I will not be adding to the discourse on NPR during class any time soon. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04063353033529950805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529647435872563341.post-31235277565287765812012-09-19T23:48:32.569-04:002012-09-19T23:48:32.569-04:00I only teach remedial classes, and confidence-buil...I only teach remedial classes, and confidence-building is huge! One of the three forms we address in my classes is narrative, and students' best work usually comes in the narrative essay. Our department is wanting to make all remedial classes tackle a research essay, starting next semester, but I think I disagree with the move. I'm not sure remedial students need to worry about argument just yet. Like you said, they need to develop other writing skills first, and more importantly, self-confidence. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529647435872563341.post-42467637907676267082012-09-05T03:52:13.211-04:002012-09-05T03:52:13.211-04:00this was my experience at columbia city high schoo...this was my experience at columbia city high school in indiana. i wasn't taught anything - i already had great grammar and used my terms well, and could spell everything. There was not one opportunity to research a subject of interest - they were more focused on "graduating the class" than preparing students for life after high school be that college or work.<br /><br />There were no expectations of us and that caused most of us to have no expectations of ourselves, and this injustice was inflicted with brute force. They were not concerned with us, or what happened to us when we graduated. Instead they were concerned about minimal low grades to avoid petty punishments inflicted on the teachers.<br /><br />My college professors care - they want to create ethical thinkers and teach good writing, speaking and thinking habits. This caused the class to become stimulated and interested, we wasted no time on spelling tests, grammar lessons or anything of the sort - we were taught toward the expression of writing. We were taught to focus on research, citations and refutation. We were introduced harshly to Ethos, Pathos and Logos. Sadly, i had not heard those words in high school even once.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529647435872563341.post-79632969074856101152012-08-31T09:03:38.334-04:002012-08-31T09:03:38.334-04:00Loved your blog post! I've always been one of ...Loved your blog post! I've always been one of those 'bad female academics' who aren't afraid to put themselves out there - but mostly this has been helped by having the encouragement and support of supervisors, colleagues etc. Recently I've felt a lot less confident but reading things like this really help! And while I'm here, I'll shamelessly self-promote my blog as well (I write a lot from a personal perspective about being a woman in a very male dominated research field) http://highheelsinthelab.blogspot.co.uk/ Suzie Sheehyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07451186049719518232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529647435872563341.post-53016315227702377462012-08-04T15:20:53.001-04:002012-08-04T15:20:53.001-04:00It's important to stay skeptical of the claims...It's important to stay skeptical of the claims of technology; however, I reject the premise that only in-person, face-to-face interaction is the most legitimate (or that it is somehow inherently at odds with technology). There is such thing as high-touch, high-tech, and I have found that my students feel much more attended to by me when they can reach me via text messaging and when it is easy for them to have Skype conferences with me. Some things face-to-face encounters are not good at, especially timeliness and spontaneous interaction.Gideon Burtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08282494104976426309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529647435872563341.post-30795524084230518252012-07-13T10:21:30.447-04:002012-07-13T10:21:30.447-04:00That is terrible. I really think sometimes we take...That is terrible. I really think sometimes we take the freedoms we have for granted. Also, even though gender is a large topic in the academy and world wide, it`s always something that everyone should know about more. Being a female academic should not be taken for granted.colleges in western pahttp://www.pti.edunoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529647435872563341.post-73100999233520639782012-07-11T05:41:40.437-04:002012-07-11T05:41:40.437-04:00Thank you so much. Your posts are awesome, especia...Thank you so much. Your posts are awesome, especially the one in which you discuss the complexity of being a mom, a women and an academic. I will be applying to a <a href="http://www.csinow.edue" rel="nofollow">college in Chicago</a> next year and i find this inspiring.bobohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18126745051106698785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529647435872563341.post-32157294321201468382012-04-14T22:18:43.476-04:002012-04-14T22:18:43.476-04:00Women need to be in the administrative chute. Ther...Women need to be in the administrative chute. There's a lot of power up there, and it's mostly in the hands of men....Doc McGrailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07201695279178381896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529647435872563341.post-77465602925731434752012-03-30T18:01:06.574-04:002012-03-30T18:01:06.574-04:00ah, the challenge of young kids and balancing your...ah, the challenge of young kids and balancing your life beyond them. I have two young boys as well and it is amazing how they zap the energy out of you while rewarding you as well. Finding that balance is the private battle that couples (sometimes silently) work on while the rest of their lives keep making all the stops at the station. Good luck in your pursuit.john holdcrofthttp://www.johnhold.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529647435872563341.post-27783172855444595142012-03-29T12:08:09.261-04:002012-03-29T12:08:09.261-04:00You obviously care about what you're doing, an...You obviously care about what you're doing, and that's more than half the battle. My experience tells me that in a class of 20 to 30 students, I can't expect more than two or three to show any caring, a lacking I couple with the immaturity of youth. I used to tell my son, "Youth is wasted on the young," and he would counter with, "and so is education." I was thrown out of English class in high school for belching. Now look at me...a virtual teacher committed to helping students learn the art and craft of writing. I agree with those who say you're too hard on yourself.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529647435872563341.post-41289629837741848682012-02-08T20:04:23.698-05:002012-02-08T20:04:23.698-05:00Thanks, Lee. This post, as well as everyone's ...Thanks, Lee. This post, as well as everyone's responses, really speak back to what I've been experiencing. I knew getting into it that it was going to be a struggle, but I don't think I realized how much uncertainty and doubt would play into it because I have always been so certain of my path. I'm not quitting. For all I gripe, I love academia, but certainly more students need to know before they throw themselves into this lifestyle.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09743634961727582102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529647435872563341.post-49096965578297463012012-02-05T18:42:31.452-05:002012-02-05T18:42:31.452-05:00that sounds so great and intersting too @michael.that sounds so great and intersting too @michael.MENSAJES CLAROhttp://tedateo.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529647435872563341.post-38568281207102580542012-02-05T05:26:45.960-05:002012-02-05T05:26:45.960-05:00This is a sharp reminder how the entire system is ...This is a sharp reminder how the entire system is riddled with problems (why does an old house with a bad termite infestation suddenly come to mind?). They are not limited to the most vulnerable. The situation also fuels the overload conflict between tenured and adjunct faculty.Vanessa Vailehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04647639725252430851noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529647435872563341.post-12247315386975349812012-02-04T18:33:46.685-05:002012-02-04T18:33:46.685-05:00I was a tenured full professor and for family relo...I was a tenured full professor and for family relocation purposes moved across country. I realize my salary is for a 9 month contract. After being a tenured full professor (with a teaching load of 36 quarter hours of instruction per 9 months in addition to research and signficant service) I came in as an untenured assistant professor in my new position. I earned 57,000 year when I did this. Ah - what an eye opening experience of the changes over the past 11 years to begin again. It's been humbling but also has made me deeply think at the system that is in my estimation no longer one that supports one of quality, longevity, morale and the ability to balance one's workload of teaching, service and scholarship to the benefit of all --- including the institution and students. Sadly, I have seen the decimation of teaching as second-class to grant activity -- for undergraudate students. I selected earlier in my career that a focus for me is in the art of teaching (and yes I do publish as well and engage in research - going through the tenure process twice). I am honestly dismayed at how wrong the profession has gone. I do not receive perks such as children or dependent tuition (at either institution). Summer pay was at an adjunct rate if available. I am now putting two of my own children through college. <br /><br />In my new position - my expertise after 11 years in program coordination, undergraduate teaching, etc. was called upon often. However - the IHE"s especially comprehensive public institutions -are not willing to pay for the expertise of mid career individuals (except in fields such as business or science). Age discrimination is also rampant. I do what I do because I believe we make a difference. However - as a single parent putting two children through college myself (and my children have and do take out learns and qualify for work study) I am disillusioned with the professionalism and balance the institution places on the bread and butter of the higher education experience -- student learning.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529647435872563341.post-29950171990764368702012-01-27T03:21:17.720-05:002012-01-27T03:21:17.720-05:00Useful information. Lucky me I found your site uni...Useful information. Lucky me I found your site unintentionally, and I am shocked why this accident did not came about in advance! I bookmarked it.best viagra priceshttp://www.formspring.me/onlinemednoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529647435872563341.post-61346651315617918342012-01-26T15:27:00.119-05:002012-01-26T15:27:00.119-05:00One thing I have actually noticed is that there ar...One thing I have actually noticed is that there are plenty of beliefs regarding the banks intentions when talking about foreclosure. One fable in particular is that often the bank wants your house. The bank wants your dollars, not your property. They want the funds they lent you along with interest. Avoiding the bank will draw any foreclosed final result. Thanks for your posting.generic tramadolhttp://www.formspring.me/onlinemed/q/286955806207772259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529647435872563341.post-20083264540759629362011-12-22T18:08:24.576-05:002011-12-22T18:08:24.576-05:00You might not like what I have to say because I do...You might not like what I have to say because I don't like getting dirty but, it's not always about what you're told when you're little. I grew up with boys and they were always getting dirty and I was told I could do what I wanted. I always chose to wear my dresses and stay clean. I never liked mud or dirt or anything and I still don't. People do what they want to do. If they want to get dirty, they will. If not, they won't.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529647435872563341.post-77478950395601861002011-12-18T23:29:16.699-05:002011-12-18T23:29:16.699-05:00Amazing blog you have here, i'm sure this can ...Amazing blog you have here, i'm sure this can attract lots of readers over the net for the cool write up. Keep it up<br />With Snooozy, conducting automated phone surveys is as easy as just a few clicks. View live results as your survey progresses at www.snooozy.com .snooozyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02790834703182457313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529647435872563341.post-67073426192369229732011-12-18T10:44:18.410-05:002011-12-18T10:44:18.410-05:00Okay, I am curious. What are the eight steps?Okay, I am curious. What are the eight steps?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18162938444781975347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529647435872563341.post-23511920541259473692011-12-18T09:59:22.432-05:002011-12-18T09:59:22.432-05:00There is only so much we can do as educators. Don...There is only so much we can do as educators. Don't forget students need to be responsible for their learning. When my students plagiarize, I let them know I know it is plagiarism and return the paper to them. I treat it as if it was not handed in. They can redo and hand it in. You have some great ideas. This is why it is important to have time to sit and discuss concerns and ideas with other educators for our own sanity.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18162938444781975347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529647435872563341.post-84558704401901444272011-12-18T09:41:00.161-05:002011-12-18T09:41:00.161-05:00This semester (Spring '12), I am definitely go...This semester (Spring '12), I am definitely going to incorporate Peer-Review session before handing in their paper to me. This is a great idea!!!!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18162938444781975347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529647435872563341.post-15010527761627591572011-12-18T09:21:57.724-05:002011-12-18T09:21:57.724-05:00I am really interested in your method. I teach wr...I am really interested in your method. I teach writing at a community college to ESL students. I model how to write a well written piece and use an anchor passage, too. Then I tell them to practice using the skills on their own by writing an essay. Would you say that is what Dan Pink recommends (Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose)? <br />I think for this semester, I am going to give them a schedule of essays due. Every week they must write one and hand it to me to see if they are improving. I also need to see where the need is. I don't always get it. What do you think?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18162938444781975347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6529647435872563341.post-63375300622284342122011-10-25T16:53:17.581-04:002011-10-25T16:53:17.581-04:00Congratulations, Lee! I have to teach during your ...Congratulations, Lee! I have to teach during your panel, but I'm going to try to come by and say hello this weekend. If I can't, have a great time at the conference (I'm jealous of how many amazing people you're going to get to hang out with. Erin! Trevor! Bethany! Ruth! Carole!), and hopefully we'll run into each other again soon.Melissa Dalgleishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01941383321743781790noreply@blogger.com