 Parsons addressing an audience. Photo via Humanists of Houston's YouTube channel In “Message to My Freshman Students,” Keith M. Parsons outlines how he’ll address the incoming first year students in his Introduction to Philosophy class. Having taught first year students “for the first time in many years” in spring 2015, Parsons found many of his students to be woefully unprepared for his course and the academic experience as a whole. Parsons sees the big deficiencies as result of high school teachers who were forced to focus on test prep and coddling students, rather than teaching students to think critically. Instead of catering to current students through flipped classrooms and the like, Parsons argues students need to learn to listen and learn from lectures, his preferred method of instruction. Parsons concludes his article by pointing what he feels is the biggest difference between professors and their students: their mindsets. According to Parsons, first year students see college as a way to earn a degree, while professors see college as a way to broaden minds and make the “world richer.”  Georgia Southern University campus. Photo via college-campuses.tumblr.com Though Parsons is right about the fact that students arrive on many college campuses unprepared for the academic rigor of their next four years, I take issue with his characterization of students and faculty in this piece. Parsons depicts first year students, “freshman” as he calls them throughout his piece, as a monolith. A group that is a product of their unsuccessful schooling and uninventive, uncaring teachers. A group that passively accepted the test prep of their youth and will now have attentions spans “measured in nanoseconds.” According to Parsons, they come to college for credentials and want nothing more. His understanding of first year students is as uninformed as his use of “freshman” is dated. Unlike Parsons, I teach primarily first year students...
In addition to his misunderstanding of first year students, Parsons also really misrepresents faculty in his “Message to My Freshman Students.” Parsons lectures. That’s fine by me. Some faculty are great lecturers and reach many students that way. I have not attended one of his classes or spoken to his students, so I can’t and don’t want to speak on his success as a lecturer. What I can say is that statements like “My job is to lead you to the fountain of knowledge,” “I get paid the same whether you get an “F” or an “A,” and “Hogwash. You need to learn to listen,” are probably not the best ways to grab and hold the attention of his first year student audience. Hopefully these messages are held to the first day only… Even so, I worry Parsons wouldn’t get a second day with many of the students who received this message. But then again, according to Parsons, I am one of those “higher-education reformers” who believe in the flipped classroom.  Contrary to what Parsons suggests about the rationale behind flipping, I flip my classroom because it helps me effectively use my classroom time while also teaching my students how to read, think, and listen critically outside the classroom. This emphasis on critical thinking is something Parsons and I have in common. Flipping helps me and my students work on that very thing. Flipping a classroom for the sole purpose of “cater[ing] to their conditioned craving for constant stimulation” would be a fool’s errand. No matter how much time and energy I put into a video, it won’t hold a candle to the billions of far more entertaining options online. Students still have to want to learn. Luckily, for me and Parsons, our students do. The fact that they’ve shown up in our classrooms on day one suggests that. I believe, as does Parsons, that how we approach them on the first day will have a big impact on how they continue that semester and maybe for the next few years. My intention, though my students will be able to tell you if I succeed or not, is to inspire and challenge them.  On my next first day, I will address my first year students as I have tried to do for the last few years. I will start by learning their names. Then we’ll have a discussion of expectations: mine, theirs, the university’s. And based on our discussion, we’ll move through the semester in the way that makes the most sense for my pedagogy, their needs, and our goals. I’m much more comfortable with the uncertainty of what a new class of students will bring and need than I am determining all that for them before they arrive.
What about you? What do you do on the first day of class?
72 Comments
8/29/2015 12:36:22 am
On the first day of class, I report there with an open mind, ready to expand my knowledge, and prepare for whatever the professor has in store. This was a marvelous post in response to "Message to My Freshman Students." I strongly agree to what was said throughout the response, but in reality it all comes down to the professor's or students' first impression. If 'you' as being my English professor would have said something similar to this I would have probably dropped the course because to me as a student your saying "Welcome To College!" vs. "Welcome to College. I am going to be your English professor Dr. Hedrick." In conclusion, it’s the students' choice and responsibility to learn and make an impact in the future. 8/29/2015 06:56:45 am
There are some great points here especially when you mentioned that sayings like "I get paid the same if you get an "F" or "A," or "Hogwash, you need to learn to listen" would not grab the attention of a first year student. In fact, as a first year student I would have definitely dropped Parson's class. I agree that it wouldn't grab our attention because me personally would have assumed that you have an attitude and are not passionate about your job and need to reconsider if being an educator is for you. I feel if you love what you are doing you won't care to mention anything about money. But that's just me.
Clay
8/29/2015 07:05:25 am
Overall, when it comes to an education, preparation is a key factor in the learning of students. Having a professor who goes on about the short comings of students and that he is paid regardless of the outcome sounds more along the lines of a businessman than a educator of minds. Personally, I see it as a co-operation, in the form of responsibilities for instructors to instruct and for college students to learn and expand upon what they have learned in a constructive manner.
JD Frantom
8/29/2015 11:36:15 pm
I had no clue what to expect on the first day of classes. So I made the decision to take pen and paper and just see where things lead. I had never heard of a flipped class before and honestly was surprised at how you handled our first day. I felt old and outdated, but very welcomed at the same time. I couldn’t agree more with your point about holding students attention. Mr. Parsons statements that he gets paid no matter what happens, and “You need to learn to listen” shows me he is indifferent to his students. Someone just barking orders is not the way to maintain attention or cultivate respect. 8/30/2015 12:23:30 am
As your student, I'm extremely relieved you didn't take the same approach as Parsons. This summer I read a book called "The World Beyond Your Head," which was the same type of rantings of a close-minded man, so I was already fed up with hearing about my generation being called so inept. If you had agreed with them on the first day I would have immediately lost some respect for you and probably for college as a whole, after spending the last month of my summer reading about the untrue flaws of my generation.
Lawson Humphries
8/30/2015 03:47:19 am
From my own personal experience I would have to agree that flipped learning is just as effective as lecture depending on who the lecturer is. This post has some great points in proving that you don't have to lecture for students to learn. I believe you can't force anyone to learn and I also think the best way to learn is own your own. Parsons judgment towards this generation is harsh and completely unfair. I love the way you disprove his understanding of freshmen by stating "first year students I work with every day are curious, engaged, driven, and open."
Brianna Porter
8/30/2015 06:09:06 am
I too was taught in a flipped learning environment throughout high school due to the fact that I was enrolled in all advanced placement courses. I feel that flipped learning allowed me to be much more success because of the key points you made. It did enable me to "read, think, and listen critically outside the classroom." Parsons does make a point that first year students need to learn to listen, but a significant process comes with listening which is comprehension. If the students aren't able to comprehend what their teacher/ professor is saying then what's the point in lecture.
Treasure Johnson
8/30/2015 04:15:14 am
To answer your question, on the first day of class I always go in with an open mind just due to the simple fact that every teacher is different and you never really know what to expect so I just kind of shut up and observe the professor. I had never heard of the "flipped" classroom until parsons blog but after learning of it I realized that I had been involved in them for years. 8/30/2015 05:25:05 am
I agree with many of my fellow classmates. Before college I had never experienced a "flipped classroom" and I had no clue what to expect. But after the first few days I began to see that it helps the student learn, while they are actively engaged. I believe a "flipped classroom" is equally effective as a lecture. However, there are many different types of learning styles and not everyone learns the same way.
Sidney Whitted
8/30/2015 05:57:19 am
I am relieved that you took a different approach then Parsons when greeting us as first year students. It makes every student respect a professor more when they take the time to try to connect with us on a more personal level rather than treat us in numbers. It makes me as a student more willing to follow direction and work harder to succeed. Its not only unfair, but unsuccessful to assume every student is the same and treat them as such (like the way Parsons assumed first year students would be difficult). His manner of teaching would make many students like myself unwilling to cooperate with him. I am overjoyed to see your passion for teaching students. Furthermore, I appreciate the fact that you understand the benefit of developing a relationship with the student rather than just making a spiel and leaving it entirely to them to build upon it. As your student, I enjoy the feeling of everyone, professor and students alike, being engaged during our class time and wanting to learn things from each other. Were I in Parsons' class, I would feel as though there were a wall between myself and him signifying my desperation to do well and his apathy in regard. Thank you so much for actually caring about what your students will take away from your class.
Mary Margaret Boyd
8/30/2015 06:13:36 am
You are a much more approachable professor than Parsons. Its so relieving to have a professor who actually takes time to connect and reach out to students (and actually seems to like their job.) I love the idea of a flipped classroom because it allows us to use our class time more wisely and effectively. I also like fact that we can come into class and not feel rushed to complete assignments, but that we can do it outside the classroom and spend time to perfect it!
John Flowers
8/30/2015 06:30:06 am
As a first-year student myself, I'm pretty open minded as I enter a classroom on the first day. I do find it comforting when the professor starts by explaining where he stands and how classroom procedures are to be conducted. However, it is a nice change of pace when a professor starts the class informally with a few personal questions. I look forward to seeing both types of professors throughout my journey here at Georgia Southern.
Caroline Wilson
8/30/2015 07:50:28 am
On the first day of classes here at Georgia Southern University I entered with an open mind. If I am being honest I did not expect the first day to be so simply. I thought we would get straight into class work. Every one of my professors talked about what their class was about, what we would need and explained a little something personal about themselves. I enjoyed reading about how your classroom is conducted with a “flipped classroom” technique. This way of teaching is a great in that it makes the students learn how to work with one another while also getting to know each other. However I do agree with Parsons statement of “ [we] need to learn to listen” because its true, when professors talk important information comes out of their mouth.
Brianna C
8/30/2015 08:44:53 am
I completely agree with your post. As a student here at Georgia Southern University i expect to gain way more then just credentials. This is the start of my life. i want to make bonds create relationships and most of all obtain knowledge. So i completely disagree with Parson just as you do. i also agree that flipped classrooms is an effective method to use for teaching. I absolutely hate when teachers just lecture the whole class with no visuals or anything. people learn different ways and lectures arent for me. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your "flipped learning" teaching style. I am very grateful to be taking your class because this teaching style helps me to learn more effectively. Unlike Parsons, you seem to enjoy teaching first year students and helping them transition into their freshman year of college. Parsons seems to be a harsh professor and you seem to be much more approachable. I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on Parsons' approach with the phrases "Hogwash. You need to learn to listen" and "I get paid the same whether you get an F or an A". Thank you for being such a passionate professor.
Dylan Burke
8/30/2015 09:21:56 am
On my first day of college I had fully accepted the idea that my education was all on me in this new environment. I've enjoyed your post because it is nice to see that some professors are willing to help with the transition into college, unlike Parsons. As a first year at GSU I like that you give us freshmen a little more credit than other professors would and I thank you for that.
Andrew Abrahamson
8/30/2015 09:26:22 am
I agree with the arguments that you've made here regarding Parson's post to his first year students. As time goes on society makes changes and each individual that is apart of that society is affected. Without change our education system will fall behind more progressive ideas. Simply standing by what you have always done is not an affective way to address the ever changing youth of the modern world. If we intend to compete with the expanding world, where education becomes more accessible to all; Our higher learning institutes have to make changes to ensure the students today can be competitive.
Raychel Martin
8/30/2015 09:42:58 am
I like what you said about the flipped classroom. I prefer the flipped classroom because it helps me learn better. Lecture does not work for me. I don't learn that way because I am not an auditory learner. I am however, one of those students that wants to learn. Getting an education is important to me because I am majoring in education and I want to be a teacher. I was grateful on the first day of your class because of the way you conducted it. English hasn't always been my best subject, but you are making it enjoyable this semester.
Connor Laubenthal
8/30/2015 09:48:54 am
I agree completely with your reasoning and response to Keith Parsons, "Message to my Freshman Students". Your experience with first year college students supports your claims surrounding how they behave in a classroom and their thirst for knowledge. On top of that your experience as a professor in general with experience as a professor in many levels using the flipped classroom model adds backing to your argument. Excellent piece.
Enoch Tokpa
8/30/2015 09:51:28 am
Before my first day of school, I always assumed that all college classes contained a couple hundred students. Professors like Parsons that stood in front of the class and lectured the whole period. I wasn’t a huge supporter of this idea, but I understood that I was in college to learn. I was very relieved when I found out that not all college classes were hour-long lectures. I’m glad that not all professors share the same views about teaching as Parsons. I believe that many students, including myself learn better if they can connect with their professors, and the students around them. It is great to have professors such as yourself that teach in this style.
Samantha Urbaniak
8/30/2015 10:04:21 am
My first day here at Georgia Southern I started with an open mind, knowing that it would be different than high school in many ways. I very much appreciate that there are professors, like you, that care if we do well but also want to push us. One thing that I really liked was the flipped classroom. I have never done very well with lectures, so I think that flipped classroom is a great idea. I look forward to seeing all the different types of classrooms and professors I will encounter throughout my college experience.
Kierra Lassiter
8/30/2015 10:37:44 am
I agree with your response to Parsons "Message to My Freshmen Students". Parsons misrepresents other professors in his blog. Not every professor feels the same way he does about freshmen students. If I was a student in Parsons class I would have walked out immediately after his comment," I get paid whether you make an F or an A". It seems as if he doesn't really care about his students. It appears as if he's only there to get paid, which would lead me to believe that he wouldn't do his job well. However, as a freshman student I haven't experienced anything like Parsons lecturing style. On the first day of classes I brought a positive attitude and willingness to learn. Lucky for me, all my professors were compete opposite of Parsons descriptions.
Samantha Odiari
8/30/2015 10:38:03 am
I personally on the first day go in with an open mind, I quickly analyse my teachers and from the first day I can usually grab a good understand of their teaching methods and personality.Although I did agree with Parsons view point, I really enjoyed reading your positive experiences whilst teaching freshmen students. It was great to read about your attempts to get to know students individually and honestly it really stood out throughout the passage. Every teacher needs that mindset and a lot of students would benefit from having a teacher who thinks highly of them like you do.Great read.
Shannon Atkins
8/30/2015 10:50:32 am
Although I believe that it is the student's duty to conform to a professor's preferred teaching style in order to be successful, I believe the "flipped classroom" to be a better teaching style for me personally. I also feel that a first impression is crucial when it comes to a student and teacher meeting each other for the first time. You made a much better impact on me on the first day of classes by showing that you cared about your students and our successes than a professor would have by giving the speech that Parsons gave to his students.
Jada Thomas
8/30/2015 11:03:38 am
English was never my strong suit. I’m more of a numbers person. Every time I have a new English teacher/professor it’s always a defining moment for the year. Am I going to dread every moment of the class or am I going to enjoy the class even if I have to struggle to get through? I am highly grateful that you started your class off the way you did. Nobody wants to feel attacked the first day of class. If you would have taken Parsons' approach towards us “freshman” students, I would feel like class was a battlefield every day, instead of a place to increase my world view and learn.
Zach Duke
8/30/2015 11:38:10 am
Like some of my classmates, I am not very strong in English. Math and numbers have always been my favorite. I do like the way you started class off though. I had been given the interpretation that college professors did not care who their students were, they were just going to teach to whoever showed up to class. It surprised me and gave me a sense of hope when you asked us our names. I feel like I will be more willing to learn now instead of just choosing to not care as much about English.
Dean Baynon
8/30/2015 12:12:16 pm
I agree with your response to Keith Parsons "Message to My Freshmen Students" on the subject of the flipped classroom. I have many college classes that are 50 minutes long and they are mostly lectures. It is hard to stay focused and get a lot done when the Professor simply lectures that long. I have a couple of classes that use the flipped classroom and I feel it is very effective. I feel very involved and get a lot done when the Professor prefers this method.
Walker Franklin
8/30/2015 12:15:55 pm
I agree about the first day experience, students really hold on to that and base the rest of the semester off of that one day. I enjoyed the first day of class with Ms. Hedrick, it was very laid back but yet still got the point across of how she wanted to run the class. I felt that it made students comfortable and eager to participate in the class. Instead of telling everyone things that would make us fail the course we were told things that would help us succeed.
Kelly Morency
8/30/2015 12:23:21 pm
I really enjoyed your angle on Keith Parsons' blog. I too agree with what you said in regard to his piece. In this new day and age, an "older" way of teaching might not resonate as well with college students. This older way I'm referring to, is Keith Parsons teaching style of lecturing. I have just started to experience the "flipping" style of teaching, and must say, I much rather prefer it. I agree that it uses class time efficiently, and teaches students to start thinking outside of the classroom, not just inside. I also agree with your statement that "I worry Parsons wouldn’t get a second day with many of the students who received this message." Personally, if I was given that message on my first day of classes, I'm not sure if I would want to return to learn from him. Commenting on your question of first day of classes, I like to keep an open mind and hope that my professors also have that outlook, instead of generalizing their incoming students.
Damian Avila
8/30/2015 12:39:13 pm
I really enjoyed all the praise you give to us first year students. I especially enjoyed the part where you say "They question the messages they’re sent through entertainment, politics, and their teachers." It makes us sound like competent young adults who can acknowledge that we don't always have all the facts and thus seek out the answers on our own. As opposed to Parsons' perception that first year students are incompetent, ignorant, children that are not ready for life at a university. I look forward to working with you Ms. Hedrick and wish you great success in the upcoming months and beyond.
Cliff Lewis
8/30/2015 12:49:58 pm
You were extremely correct about your view on Parsons article. The way that he explains his views would drive away a freshman reader because of the things he says like “I get paid the same whether you get an “F” or an “A,” and “Hogwash. You need to learn to listen,” . Also its a lot harder to form a bond with your professor if all they do is lecture.
Madison Beasley
8/30/2015 12:50:53 pm
On the first day of classes I tried to come as prepared as I possibly could. I brought paper and pen and read through all of my syllabi hoping that this would adequately prepare me for college. I was nervous about college because I thought it would be very much like Parsons' article. Thankfully I have not had that experience and all of my professors have been very kind and accommodating to my lack of college knowledge. While I mostly agreed with Parsons I enjoyed your take on the piece and it gave me hope for an awesome semester with you!
Monthida Napier
8/30/2015 12:54:28 pm
I honestly didn't know what to expect on the first day of class. Reading this post relives some of the stress I had regarding college expectation wise. You're classes certainly do not feel like lectures, as Parsons would have preferred. You incorporate many engaging activities in class which makes it interesting. Based on the post and my experience in class, you have a better understanding of students. It is really encouraging to read that a teacher is willing to help students who care about their learning.
Janae Moses
8/30/2015 01:03:08 pm
Other than the wonderful way your summary and response is formatted, you brought up a few points that I agree with. I highly agree with your opinion of Parsons' misunderstood view of first-year students. Your title fits in perfectly with this theme. And the way you brought in the subject of flipped classrooms was exemplary. Not all students are equipped to handle long lectures, and I like the way you stated how students still have to want to learn. This kind of summary and response is exactly what I'm striving to produce by the end of the semester.
Sam Hicks
8/30/2015 01:20:46 pm
On my first day, I didn't know what to expect. I had never been to a college class and as I am currently dual enrolling, I haven't even completed my senior year of high school. I had heard that normally, first year students are put into classes with huge numbers of people, generally in a lecture setting. The flipped classroom completely caught me by surprise but as you said, it does save lots of class time for things we couldn't do on our own. I believe it is a very good teaching method.
Holly Puckett
8/30/2015 01:35:59 pm
As a college freshman, I was baffled at Parsons' response. Parsons' has a demeanor about him that is unapproachable. I believe if he felt the way he truly responded, he should strictly stick to teaching upper level & graduate classes. In this post, you (the author) points out, "I work with [students] every day [who] are curious, engaged, driven, and open. You point out not all college students are the way Parsons' describes us. Educators like you are the reason students prosper in stressful environments, because they know someone is rooting for them.
Chelsey Thompkins
8/30/2015 01:39:31 pm
You mentioned some great points in this blog! You brought up an especially great point when you mentioned that it is important on how professors approach students the first day because it will have an impact on students throughout the semester. I completely agree with this statement. The first impression that professors leave with students on the first day can really say a lot about how the course will be ran and if the student's learning ability will be compatible with the professor's teaching skills. Although Parsons is right that many first year students may be unprepared, he seems to have categorized first-year students into being immature and lazy, which I completely disagree with.
Jas Williams
8/30/2015 01:41:14 pm
As a freshman student, on my first day of classes I came to everyone one with paper and pen ready to taking note on every single detail to keep in mind. Although I agreed with some of Parsons' viewpoints, I agreed with yours more. As a professor who teaches first-years, you're the ones who have the greatest impact this semester, the rest of our years and agree that as a college student, our education is our responsibility, but putting us in a stressful environment from day one is definitely not the route to take.
Dan Haas
8/30/2015 01:42:53 pm
Although Parsons makes some good points about our education system, I do agree that the flipped classroom style is more effective than just lectures. It keeps students more focused in class and helps them understand the material better. Also, I do not like the way that Parsons opens up the class to his students. If I had that speech given to me on the first day, I would not look forward to the year. However, on my first day of class, I was greeted and felt welcomed.
Bryton Johnson
8/30/2015 01:53:26 pm
Your response to Parsons' "Message to My Freshman Students" deserves very much respect. Reading this blog has made me, and probably most of your students, really excited that I have you as one of my professors. The way that you approached his statements I found absolutely respectful and professional. Even though there was a lot of disagreeing with Parsons, it was done very skillfully. Your experience as mainly being a first year student professor definitely shows in the overall response. There was a consistently positive feeling throughout the blog post and I truly enjoyed reading it. I'm sure most of your other students also felt relieved after reading this.
Madi Davis
8/30/2015 02:01:20 pm
You made some great points in this blog. I feel that Parsons could have come off a little too harsh to his first year students when saying "Hogwash. You need to learn to listen." and "I get paid the same whether you make a 'F' or an 'A'". If I was in his class on the first day of school, I would definitely drop it. I agree with you and the flipped classroom. It gives us more time in class to actually learn and discuss the material as opposed to you just talking at us for 50 minutes and the students not paying attention and being interested. 8/30/2015 02:03:33 pm
A flipped classroom is a great point to touch on, because in my experience, most classes are taught in this way. Given this, I would much rather have you teach me and my fellow students in this way, than Parsons. Aside from experience in general, your approach altogether is what sets you apart from Parsons. Eagerness and passion in teaching this way helps students in a way that I cannot articulate. Being driven and inspired to learn and develop is that much easier when the professor is just as motivated as we are.
Sandra Honkpo
8/30/2015 02:28:48 pm
I love how strong your opinions were and how you not only defended your argument, but you backed it up with facts and real life experiences. When stating, "Parsons lectures. That's fine by me", you really made your perspective on the article known and personal.
Holden Galatas
8/30/2015 03:49:40 pm
From personal experience, a flipped classroom can be much more beneficial to the students than Parsons claims. This method got me to critically think about the problem that was at hand and what was the best way to solve it. Flipped learning not only taught me the information, but how to use in in real world application. So I feel that Parsons' ancient views blind him from the changes that have occurred to our education system. Knowing how to apply our knowledge is much more vauable than just having an understanding of it.
Marc Dickey
8/30/2015 08:29:04 pm
I feel that Parsons really showed no mercy to the first year students when he stated "Hogwash. You need to learn to listen." and "I get paid the same whether you make a 'F' or an 'A'". It just made it seem like he didn't care about his profession which is to teach. I mean honestly....if he had a whole class of students who don't listen then he too, is just wasting his time. 8/30/2015 10:23:03 pm
This was an extremely well writing response to Keith M. Parsons’s original blogpost “Message to My Incoming Freshman.” On the first day of class, I always enter the course with an open mind, which allows me to truly understand the professor and other students better. First impressions are key. A. Hedrick’s invoked me to start thinking more about the unfair judgment of first year students and even in a sense, their Professors.
Dalton Wilson
8/30/2015 10:34:13 pm
I completely agree with your approach to your first year students stressing that this is a relationship and in order to get the most out of that relationship both sides must be passionate. You are obviously very passionate about your job and that is the best way to reach first year students. I respect that you understand your not catering to anyone needs but that through research you have determined that the flipped classroom is the best way to give your students the necessary information in the most effective way possible.
Danielle Durfee
8/30/2015 10:40:50 pm
I am relieved to know that not all professors share the same views as Parsons. He comes across as a professor who could care less about his students and whether they pass or fail. It is great to know that some professors actually do care a lot about their students, and they wan to see them grow and accomplish things throughout the semester. It's still different from high school, but at least there are people in my community who care about my education and my achievements. 8/30/2015 10:42:40 pm
I agree with how freshman come into college unprepared because of how they were taught in high school compared to the way they're taught in college, but professors choose to teach first year students for a reason. They guide and prepare their first year students for their next three years of college.
Amanda McDaniel
8/30/2015 11:00:40 pm
I have had experience with both the flipped classroom and a lecture approach to learning and I think that the outcomes of the type of classroom a teacher chooses to have depends on how engaged the teacher is and how determined they are to keep the students interested in the material. I agree with your statement: "Some faculty are great lecturers and reach many students that way", but I have noticed that it is more difficult to grab and keep the students' attention in a lecture class. I know this from experience because I have been both the student who texts the entire lecture and the student who diligently takes notes and asks questions. From my experience, the flipped classroom does not let a student slack off in class, which is why I appreciate it so much more than a lecture-styled classroom.
Cardinal Clarke
8/30/2015 11:00:58 pm
As someone who has a hard time staying focused for very long, I strongly agree with your views on flipped classroom teaching. "I flip my classroom because it helps me effectively use my classroom time while also teaching my students how to read, think, and listen critically outside the classroom." From my experience it puts the responsibility on me to work hard outside of class, so I won't be clueless when the next class period comes. While during the period, I'm building on the information I already discovered or correcting the mistakes I have made. Great Response.
Maya Varner
8/31/2015 12:18:55 am
On my first day of classes I was so excited. I have always been that one person who couldn't wait for school to start back up after a break. I just really love to learn new ideas and I made sure I was prepared. Starting Composition one was especially fun for me because I really love to write so on the first day I made sure I listened intently.
Michael Stewart
8/31/2015 12:25:46 am
You said that how teachers approach students on the first day is very important and i strongly agree with that. If the teacher seems strict or harsh i would think that i will not like going to that class but if the teacher seems cool then i would probably enjoy that class.
Taylor Cook
8/31/2015 12:51:59 am
I absolutely agree with the tactic of how you would approach your FYS on the first day, as you did my first day in your class. You're approach made us feel like you genuinely cared about us as your students and wanted to make the best of your time with us as a professor. Because of that, I believe we were instantly open to what you were saying to us and effectively grasped our attention from day one.
jack Rautenstrauch
8/31/2015 01:20:31 am
I agree 100% with your response to Keith Parsons. His whole idea about how to approach FYS in college is completely wrong. Being in your class, i know what a proper FYS teacher is supposed to be like. I felt very engaged in what you were saying and I really enjoyed how cool and down to earth you and your lessons are. Keith Parsons isn't a bad teacher, just doesn't fully comprehend what struggles and fears FYS go through. Having you as my teacher already feels like a blast and I can't wait for the next months together.
Cameron Black
8/31/2015 01:55:47 am
On the first day, I am definitely one to listen to every word the teacher says and base that upon the rest of the class. Impressions are extremely important, so a teacher's first day speech should be inspiring. A student that is thrilled about the class will obtain more of the material than a student that is merely there to get on with a degree. All students are different and so all students learn in different ways. I believe that if you desire to gain the knowledge, you will find a way to absorb it. Whether or not the style of teaching suits you.
Marcella Johnson
8/31/2015 01:56:29 am
On my first day of class I look around to see if I see any familiar faces from previous classes. I make myself acquainted in order to perhaps gain a study partner. I focus on the instructor of course in order to grasp what he/she is saying and or teaching. I like the idea of flipped classroom because it keeps it interesting and makes me eager to learn.
Quinton
8/31/2015 02:04:07 am
I strongly agree with your opinion on Keith Parsons' "Message to My Freshman Students," and appreciate the stance on the topic. As a student I like to see a teacher who cares about engaging her students and making her class more interactive and productive.
Nathaniel C
8/31/2015 02:04:37 am
I really was not sure how college was going to be so I just came to the first class as prepared as I could be at the time. So far the class has been different than my high school English classes but in a good way. So far I am liking the flipped classroom approach. I just need to remember to do all the things out of class
Kerwin Lee
8/31/2015 02:15:51 am
On my first day of college, I was well aware that I was the one responsible for getting my work done and keeping up. I feel that Parsons generalized all first year students which is unfair.
chad conner
8/31/2015 02:17:44 am
I enjoyed reading your post. Reading parsons he his more of an old school teacher where you are more of the new type of learning that most of the first year students are used too. I can tell that you care more about our education and that means a lot to us students.
Mac Fulcher
8/31/2015 02:19:41 am
On the first few days of classes I didn't know what to expect however I was ready for anything. Parsons wasn't very fair to his students but at least he told them what to expect on the first day.
Zach Hodge
8/31/2015 02:19:44 am
I agree that students are not prepared for the college rigor, but as a first year student I feel that Parson's does not give us a chance. I am very glad you did not start the semester off by demeaning us freshmen students and are open to what we have to offer! 8/31/2015 03:01:19 am
I agree completely with your reasoning and response to Keith Parsons, "Message to my Freshman Students". Your experience with first year college students supports your claims surrounding how they behave in a classroom and their thirst for knowledge. On top of that your experience as a professor in general with experience as a professor in many levels using the flipped classroom model adds backing to your argument. Excellent piece. 8/31/2015 03:06:25 am
Your post really resonates with how I feel about Parsons' "Message to My Freshman Students". He seems to focus solely on his past experiences as a professor and not really on the students' perspective. While there are some things Parsons is right about, there are other points that are purely assumption. Your blog post really pointed out how involvement between student and professor can put a positive impact on their overall learning experience.
Tito Bendeck Cortes
8/31/2015 03:12:45 am
As your student I totally agree in your statements. Parsons way to see students (as numbers), creates an uncomfortable learingn environment. If that was my case I would rather go back to Honduras. But, professors in GSU have shown a different approach, and for example in your classroom Ms. Hedrick you have shown a different approach and you see us as real students, and I'am extremely thankful for that, eventhough I may not be the smartest in your class I will always try my best, and not be part of the common freshman stereotype.
Jade Garris
8/31/2015 03:47:31 am
As one of your freshman students, I am overly excited that you have so much confidence and take pride in your students. Parsons shows a different demeanor with his approach with students. Most students are willing to learn but will have to know that they have a professor willing to work with them. You, more so, have a more open mind of thought and I will make sure I don't fall into the stereotype of what Parsons expects.
Austyn Harris
8/31/2015 03:53:52 am
I agree with what you said 100% because as a FYS I felt that I needed to have just a little support in this new changing environment. if I would have had a professor like Parsons then I highly doubt that I would have received any help or support if I needed it. I appreciate how comfortable you made me and im sure the rest of us feel.
Hannah Rogers
8/31/2015 03:55:23 am
After reading Parsons' "Message to My Freshman Students", and then reading this piece immediately after, I am able to appreciate having you as my professor. Parsons made it clear that he doesn't have much faith in first year students. Your piece definitely resonates with my views on this piece. Your piece is motivational to other students because it shows that there are teachers who believe in the work ethic of their students.
Malik Hilson
9/1/2015 05:51:13 pm
I enjoyed your blog post. It shows me that you and Parsons have different teaching methods. He has a sort of old school teaching mentality. You are more up to date with your teaching. You show more care for us learning what we need to learn to work towards our future. I will enjoy being in your class.
Frannie Sanders
8/27/2017 08:53:47 pm
Personally, I think that there are many freshmen students that go into college not really being sure of what to expect. I feel that these students must be shown how class will work and then they will properly adjust to the new learning environment. I am very thankful to have a professor that is open to new ways of learning and is able to put some faith in her students, even contradicting Parsons' article to show it. It excites me to see what you have in store for our class. Leave a Reply. |
Amanda J. HedrickStory collector, recipe enthusiast, educator, striving for a constant input and output of all things art and learning. Archives
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