The Basement Of The Ivory Tower

Staples argues, “Departments shower students with A’s to fill poorly attended courses that might otherwise be canceled.” By arguing this way, Staples suggests the only option professors have in order to not have class cancelations is inflation of grades. This argument ignores the possibility of classes being very specific for one major and good grades being a result of students who are invested in the class and the major that requires the class. General education classes are going to have high a number of students because they are required for all students; however, very specific classes, such as sculpting which is a requirement for art majors, are going to have a lower number of students because only some students need the class. Staples also ignores the possibility that good grades are a result of students who are dedicated to those very specific classes for their major. The either-or argument Staples makes is the opposite of effective because he chose to ignore real possibilities that do not help his

In the essay “Are Too Many People Going to College,” writer Charles Murray explains that not everyone is in need of going to college for three main reasons: a liberal education should be gained in elementary and middle school, many people already have knowledge and skills necessary for a technical career, and many students are in college to “buy an admission ticket-the B.A.” (246) and ensure employers consider their resume. Murray does not argue anything against college itself but more against society and especially the education system. Murray also accuses guidance counselors and parents of “automatically encouraging young people to go to college straight out of high school being thoughtless about the best interests of young people” (249).

As a student you’re not the only that is frustrated. Rose explains how even dealing with the issues and difficulty of a highly respected professor you can still somehow find comfort as a student and learn to deal with the issues of the professor in your own way. Rose also points out that the impact a teacher has on his or her students is very powerful. I know from experience that when you as a student can respect and relate to a teacher your more willing to put as much effort as you can into your own work. Rose

A college degree is a valuable asset that could ultimately lead to a productive life in society due to the received education, but people without a college degree do turn out more than adequate in regards to societal success. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, of the forecasted 30 fastest growing jobs between 2010 and 2020, five do not require a high school diploma, nine require a high school diploma, four require an associate 's degree, six require a bachelor 's degree, and six require graduate degrees to get the jobs (College). In an article called “College Education” by ProCon.org,

Perhaps some student aren’t ready to jump into four year college right after high school. Perhaps some students don’t have enough money or funding to afford four year colleges. For those who trying start taking classes, a community college, two years colleges or vocational school might a good place to get adjusted for college or for training to enter the workforce early. Liz Addison, supporter for two-year community colleges, considers community colleges the ideal place to begin and that it is not important to make the jump into a four-year university. In her essay, “Two Years Are Better than Four,” Addison portrays the theory of the community college. She assumes “The philosophy of the community college, and I have been to two of them, is one that conditionally allows its students to begin” (256). Her assumption are based on her idea “the community college system is America’s hidden public service gem” (257). A similar idea that Charles Murray believes in. He also believes community colleges the ideal place to begin for those who are training to enter the workforce early. He states “Try to force her (for example, by setting up a demanding core curriculum), and she will transfer to another school, because she is in college for vocational training. She wants to write computer code. Start a business. Get a job in television. She uses college to take vocational courses that pertain to her career interests.”().These to supporters of two years colleges and vocational training are encouraging students looking for place to start or those who are trying to get certain skills to join the

Jaschik explains in his article, “Academically Adrift” written in 2011, the decline of learning in college and the minimal amount of expectations placed on students. The article suggests that a survey was taken amongst college students that tested their accuracy on levels of analysis and critical thinking; the results were poor. The goal of college is to improve your academic skills on a higher level. The article hints that most students take courses that fulfill the academic requirements, but are not grasping the scholarly information being presented. Jaschik uses the art of persuasion, scholarly data, and assertive emotion to persuade his audience that college fails to fulfill its primary purpose as the title suggests.

In this article, Murray argues that many people go to college when it is not actually necessary for them to do so. He begins by explaining that obtaining a liberal education, while it is important to cultural participation, is not a good reason for everyone to go to college. Instead, he says that this education should occur much earlier, beginning in elementary school. Murray also believes that the in depth analysis of information that occurs college is too difficult for most people to enjoy, and many simply aren't academically capable. Even for those who are able, he claims that four years of college is much more than most professions actually need. He states that many people believe that getting a degree is the key to getting a

Throughout the years, America has always debated whether education is needed- if it helps people succeed or not. The argument in the past was always over high school education, which is now mandatory. That decision has helped the US rise economically and industrially. Today, the US is in the middle of the same debate- this time, over college. Some, like David Leonhardt, a columnist for the business section of The New York Times, think a college education creates success in any job. Others, such as Christopher Beha, an author and assistant editor of Harper’s Magazine, believe that some college “education” (like that of for-profit schools) is a waste of time, and can even be harmful to students. Each stance on this argument has truth to it,

It’s clear that professor X’s intent is to reach everyone in the general public. As harsh as his message is, it’s not something that everyone is brave enough to admit; especially since we live in a society that is too afraid of telling people they cannot do something. A person’s right to higher education just so happens to be one of those sensitive subjects that gets most of society in an uproar. In fact, education is a highly regarded right to every citizen. With that said, it is no wonder that many of his

Professor X who is a part-time adjunct instructor of English in a community college wrote this journal to discuss a very controversial issue: Is that important or necessary for everyone to continue a high level education in college? The ideal of equal opportunity gives the access for all the students to pursue the college education in the United States. However, due to the lack of knowledge or skills, some of the students are not qualify to pass the college education somehow. For many of the students, “college was not a goal they spent years preparing for, but a place they landed in.” Professor X mentioned that some of his students are not interested in the writing class, and they took this class

I really enjoyed your response to the article, In the basement of Ivory Tower. I find myself agreeing with you in a few areas of your response, especially the parts regarding why the author chose to publish this piece or writing. I find that he simply wanted to express his opinion on why college isn’t for everyone, I don’t find myself agreeing with that statement but the author did a nice job of making the reader think about why? I also find myself agreeing with the fact that there are many other helpful things a teacher can do to help his students succeed, especially those students who need a little extra encouragement along the way.

Thomas Benton claims that colleges need to take on civility training. That students are not polite enough in class. He also notes that students are afraid of their peers, claiming that many of them will not say hello to him when they are around their friends. He does not think students are entirely to blame, he says that teachers also contribute to the problem. Not noticing what is happening in their classrooms and not calling students out. This is not true of all teachers, of course. One of my teachers keeps track of all the time that a student misbehaves in her class. At the end of the semester, the number of incidents have a huge impact on the student's final grade. Overall, Benton believes that it is the school's job to step up and he thinks

Professor Terzic has been one of the most passionate teachers I have come across during my college career. His dedication has been an inspiration to me and he has turned a subject that I once dreaded, into something I understand. My experience in his class has been a much-needed reminder that there are teachers out there who genuinely care about their students’ success. If we had more teachers like him, then students would be inspired to be great and all because someone believed in them. Some professors have the ability to connect with their students and motivate them to try, and he possesses that key trait. As a student, it is our job to give 100% in our studies. However, when a teacher puts in just as much effort or even more to his students,

     The third type of professor is the uncaring professor. This type of instructor has lost interest in teaching; therefore, they do not put any effort into it. This professor can be recognized by their monotonous tone of voice and lack of interest of the subject. Their lectures only cover the basics of the material. They make no effort to appeal to the students’ interests; consequently, most students can hardly pay

His voice can also trick his readers, This is a voice that McCourt uses throughout the book.His voice gives one a feeling that he isn't successful in teaching at all.Readers get a feeling that he feels lost in a classroom insecure and clueless and it seems as if this is the honest truth. Such as on page ( 150 ) " I don't know why I'm turning away and walking to the front of the room" This makes cler to the reader that he has no ide what he is doing .Whereas students seem to Love His lessons and admire him, seen on page (157) where his student tells him his lessons are actually OK.One of the trouble making students who was in the class of 26 "black girls"even applied for a collage and wants to become a teacher which must be one of the most satisfying messages he