In a “Message to My Incoming Freshman,” Professor Keith M. Parsons argues that incoming college freshman students are immature and unprepared for the “culture shock” of a university. Parsons’ constantly reiterates this opinion throughout his online blogpost with a multitude of examples, which are supported by his previous interactions with first year students. On one hand, Parsons claims that not all freshman students misbehave and that only some students are frequently absent, and/or constantly distracted in class. However, on the other hand he is still judgmental to freshmen as he continues his opening statement. Parsons’ is convinced that first year students would be uneducated in the differences between high school and university. The Professor later refers to this opening statement in his blogpost, during which he lists the three major points that he is convinced all first year students should know before entering college. “I am your professor, not your teacher.” Naturally, as a first year student taking responsibility of your own course work can seem hard. Never the less, welcome to adulthood! In university, teacher reminders are nonexistent and survival is in the hands of every student. At any university, responsibility is the first step to success. Unlike high school, professors have ultimate control of what is taught in the classroom. Before university, students are taught based on a standardized curriculum that concentrates on test preparation. As a result, freshman students do not know how to listen, only prepare for tests. When in reality most college classes that first year students take are lectures, were listening closely is the key to survival. Parsons’ concludes his blogpost with the most important topic to him, “cultural differences” and his belief that high school and university are two separate countries. He deems that the biggest gap between freshman, upperclassmen, and the professors are what he calls “cultural differences.”
In my opinion, older students are more likely to disregard classes. However, university is an adjustment that takes more time than high school. Unlike in high school where teachers are there with students every step of the way, first year college students have to do it alone. When Parsons’ makes his first point, “I am you professor not your teacher.” He’s omitting the full truth. Yes, in high school teachers are constantly available, however, at universities most professors are willing to work with students during their office hours. This is where first year students can “learn to listen” if they don’t already know how. However, “learning to listen” isn’t really all that hard. It’s all about being able to understand the bigger picture of every lecture. Professor Parsons’ wrote a blog about his message, well here is mine; don’t let the cultural differences of university and high school scare you away from the adventures of a university.
3 Comments
8/30/2015 10:50:40 pm
I agree with your statement that "learning to listen isn't really all that hard." The lectures are much different from high school teachings, but all you have to do is pay attention and listen to the lesson. It can get extremely boring, but you're at school and you're here to learn. It is your responsibility to do so.
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9/1/2015 08:50:37 am
In my opinion, your summary is the best that I've seen. The excellent word and quote usage stood out telling me you put great thought into it. Parsons is correct on some points but I liked how you responded to what you didn't agree on. Learning to listen is mostly the student's responsibility, but I believe that a professor can't expect every student to understand a lecture to its fullest. Professors should take into consideration that there a various learning styles that modify how each individual student learns most effectively.
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9/1/2015 10:55:00 am
Since I based my argument on the same principles, I can completely agree with your characterizations of Parsons' attitude and tone in the passage. His demeanor when addressing first year students was very condescending as you mentioned, but I can also concur with some of Parsons' views.
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