Not Enough Work

The SCH 101 class is turning in all their writing via blogs.  I try to read every post within 48 hours of when it is turned in.  I comment on the ones that engage me, so if you aren't getting comments, you are failing Dr. Earl's requirement of entertainment.  Last night I read a blog that got me to thinking about the class and how we learn (you can find it and are encouraged to comment on it if you are inspired).

In this country college students are given a lot of busy work to help them learn.  They work homework problems, turn them in, and those are part of their grade.  They write short papers, turn them in, and those are part of their grade.  In this country we even give course credit for class participation.  This is very different from British and European Universities.  If you were at Oxford, your entire grade is based on an exam you take at the end of the term.  There are lectures to attend, problems to work, etc., but none of that is part of your grade.  Their quote is "Choosing the right subject is crucial. Like a good book, a good subject is one you can’t put down."

SCH 101 is a class where you receive education proportional to the amount of effort you put in.  If you are working on a subject that inspires you, it is up to you to find out more information about it.  If you are not inspired, find a justice subject that does inspire you and research that.  As a reminder, you are to be working on achieving the goals and objectives of IS 101.  I would say we have been working a lot on Goal 3, but I would like to see a few students show more work on Goals 2 and 4.

Can you coast through SCH 101 without putting in effort - yes, but the only person you are hurting is yourself.  Well, and the people around you who are frustrated with your lack of effort.  Do you want to improve your writing, think deeply before you write.  Back up your opinions and arguments with data and facts.  Use charts and graphs if applicable.  If you are using the internet to research, include links on your blog.