Wow! I truly can’t believe it’s over. This been the most dynamic class I have ever experienced. No textbooks, no lectures. Just the students and the instructor talking through the issues of student affairs. Now why should that be so unusual?
I don’t know the answer to this. But what I do know is this was the most spectacular method of teaching I have ever encountered. I must say, I have learned more about student affairs through this class than I could ever have imagined. Through the interaction with my classmates, I have been able to develop an insight into several topics relevant to the college student today. We started out with the generic topic of the college student today. From that topic, we moved into more specific areas such as the college student and community, and freedom of speech on the college campus. I shared the views of most of my classmates concerning the importance of the college community. I think we all had similar feelings about the importance of the physical structure of the community. We varied on the effects of the virtual community, as it relates to twitter, facebook, and the like. Needless to say, I showed my age on this one! From there we moved into some rather serious subjects – school shootings, beyond freedom of speech, and “sex, drugs, and rock and roll.” Sparky shared some of his experiences and how he handled difficult situations. It was so interesting to hear about how he worked "with" the students, not "around" them when he was working through a crisis. I learned so much just from listening to him.
I don’t know the answer to this. But what I do know is this was the most spectacular method of teaching I have ever encountered. I must say, I have learned more about student affairs through this class than I could ever have imagined. Through the interaction with my classmates, I have been able to develop an insight into several topics relevant to the college student today. We started out with the generic topic of the college student today. From that topic, we moved into more specific areas such as the college student and community, and freedom of speech on the college campus. I shared the views of most of my classmates concerning the importance of the college community. I think we all had similar feelings about the importance of the physical structure of the community. We varied on the effects of the virtual community, as it relates to twitter, facebook, and the like. Needless to say, I showed my age on this one! From there we moved into some rather serious subjects – school shootings, beyond freedom of speech, and “sex, drugs, and rock and roll.” Sparky shared some of his experiences and how he handled difficult situations. It was so interesting to hear about how he worked "with" the students, not "around" them when he was working through a crisis. I learned so much just from listening to him.
Although varied, each of these topics had a central theme – what is going on in the minds of college students today. Being the “grandmother” of the class, I had the unique opportunity of hearing about these topics from each of you. You are the heart and sole of the university campus. You are living and breathing each of these topics everyday. So each of you were “teachers” for me. Thank you.
Speaking of teachers, I don’t know anyone that could have done a better job at instructing this class than Sparky. His knowledge and compassion for student affairs was evident in the stories we all enjoyed. But they weren’t just stories. Each of them had a message. Sparky shared with us his experience with and his appreciation for the college student. In each topic we discussed, he was able to add a personal insight that can't be found in any textbook.
Speaking of teachers, I don’t know anyone that could have done a better job at instructing this class than Sparky. His knowledge and compassion for student affairs was evident in the stories we all enjoyed. But they weren’t just stories. Each of them had a message. Sparky shared with us his experience with and his appreciation for the college student. In each topic we discussed, he was able to add a personal insight that can't be found in any textbook.
I would be remiss if I left my blog without telling each of you just how much I enjoyed being in this class with you. The discussions we had made me feel like I really got to know each of you. This seldom happens in the "traditional" class setting. I feel like this class "set the bar" for all my other classes. I'm not sure any will be able to measure up.
I am sure our paths will cross in other classrooms, but this is an experience I will always treasure.
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