Every uni/prof I know struggles w this. For the uni there are only 3 solutions; all are problematic:
1) toughen admissions stds so only those who are ready make it in. Appeals to profs, but is a massive blow to the bottom line as well as a terrible collective action problem.
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1) toughen admissions stds so only those who are ready make it in. Appeals to profs, but is a massive blow to the bottom line as well as a terrible collective action problem.
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2) have xtra remedial coursework and specially-qualified faculty to get all incoming students up to speed. This wd also be ok w profs; problem is it lengthens the time students spend at uni, thus also how much $$ they spend, and is also a terrible collective action problem.
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(#2 also costs uni more $$).
3) have the reg faculty deal w the unprepared students. Uni likes this bc it doesn’t affect the bottom line/competitive edge. Faculty don’t bc we’re not qual’d to teach adult literacy, and that time is supposed to be spent on higher-order stuff.
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3) have the reg faculty deal w the unprepared students. Uni likes this bc it doesn’t affect the bottom line/competitive edge. Faculty don’t bc we’re not qual’d to teach adult literacy, and that time is supposed to be spent on higher-order stuff.
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The unis hit hardest by this dilemma are state unis with less power to be selective and more dependence on tuition $$. While wealthier private schools can screen out most of the kids who wouldn’t make it through, the other unis mostly put the burden on the faculty.
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How to deal w this? If your uni has a writing center or resources, use it. Familiarize yourself w municipal or state resources for adult literacy. Do your best to give feedback on both writing and substance.
And advocate like hell for school reform and more $$ for k-12 ed.
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And advocate like hell for school reform and more $$ for k-12 ed.
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Great point, @aradileepan !
Don’t shame students who are struggling; be someone who wants to help them improve.
Also: be kind to yourselves, profs. We are not trained or prepared to teach basics, and it can be frightening as well as frustrating to encounter this problem.
Don’t shame students who are struggling; be someone who wants to help them improve.
Also: be kind to yourselves, profs. We are not trained or prepared to teach basics, and it can be frightening as well as frustrating to encounter this problem.
