Sharin' Work and Misbehavin'

Okay, I've finally figured out what it is about Boice that makes me cringe. It's the title of the chapters! With a few exceptions, the title of the chapter says something different from what Boice would like us, new faculty, to get out of his book. In the case of chapter 7: "Let Others Do Some of the Work," I think he really means: don't be afraid to ask for help. I'm totally cool with asking for help, especially because I've never taught before. Of course I am going to collaborate with other instructors. I already have! I've asked for assignments as examples and such. I'm not letting them do work...I'm asking for help. I think Boice's editor should be fired, because seriously, titles are misleading. Just say what you mean, Boice, c'mon.

And as for chapter 8, when reading I kept thinking about the summers I worked as a camp counselor for the Y. I was known as the disciplinarian, and every child who misbehaved was brought to me before a trip to the camp director's office. Of course dealing with a misbehavin' 8-year-old won't be exactly like dealing with college freshman and and CI, but it's a close comparison. In Boice's example of how CI can sometimes be helpful, I saw my trouble-campers. It was the kids who didn't want to play kickball or whatever that allowed me to notice the whole group's dynamic. I'm not going to treat my freshman like 8-year-olds, but the same techniques work.

Also, listening to Rachel's stories about her problem student throughout the semester, made me 1) feel so bad for her and 2) feel like I could handle a problem child. Easy peasy.