Last Tuesday on Halloween evening I had night class that was supposed to last from 7:00pm until 9:50pm. Only problem was the professor let us out two hours early because nobody came to class due to Halloween. Only three people came to class.It took me two hours to get to the college that night because I had to take the bus and transfer buses. Also, the parking lot at the college was practically empty that evening. Halloween is not a holiday.
So, I'm irriated because I traveled to the college for nothing because class was cut short. Is this worth complaining about?
2006-11-02 04:40:33 · 8 answers · asked by brooke992002 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Speaking as a college professor, I can totally relate. It's not uncommon for students to "blow off" night classes on days such as Fridays and holidays.
And I've personally been in this situation myself. True, we as instructors don't have control over who shows up to class. But then again, it is an instructor's job to teach material to any student who is in class whenever class is supposed to be in session.
Now I do know some instructors who will ask those few students who showed up whether they would mind if class was cancelled so material doesn't have to be repeated again next class. Most times, students are OK with this. But other times, there's someone who isn't.
In my professional judgement, I say that if a student wants to stay, and class is officially scheduled to meet then, and school is officially in session, then it's the job of that instructor to be there and hold class.
When I've been in this situation, I would generally decide to use that time to further review and clarify past material, give additional exercises and practice, possibly "switch" some things around to adjust for there being so few people so I don't have to repeat myself again, and perhaps introduce something new with more examples rather than lecture.
My point is this, if students choose not to show when class is supposed to meet, then that's the students' loss! And it doesn't matter what day it is, holiday or otherwise. And it's the job of an instructor to provide instruction to any student who wants it.
In your particular case, you did not want class cut short because of your classmates' decision to blow it off. But you can't blame your instructor for doing this considering the situation--so few there possibly making it extremely difficult to conduct class.
I would have stayed for those who came, but most likely have rearranged my plan around there being so few students present. If all agreed that it's not worth holding class under this circumstance, then I would dismiss them. But for anybody who wanted to stay for class, I would hold class for their benefit. After all, I'm there for the students, and you made the effort to come to class and take your work seriously--commendable!!
No harm in voicing your complaint, but please do realize that depending on where your instructor was, it could have been pretty difficult to hold a class with so few people being there. Had your instructor summarily dismissed all of you, you would have a stronger argument, but your instructor did stay for a while to instruct the class. Cutting short say 5 minutes isn't a big deal, but cutting short 30 minutes could be.
Either way, it's more of a judgement call on the instructor's end, and some would send their students home, while others like myself will stay for the benefit of those who showed up.
2006-11-02 05:37:18 · answer #1 · answered by msoexpert 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Screw all those whose comments that suggest for her to get over it. Listen, you paid for your class and in return you should expect to get something out of it. Get your money's worth. I suggest you go and talk to your teacher about it because you paid for the class, and if you can get some extra credit from this incident, so be it because you and the other three people deserve it. Dont let the system defeat you. And also dont let all these stupid people tell you to get over it. These people are exactly like those who either drop out of class or those that don't know the value of an education. Remember, it's not your fault that you decided to show up and no one else did. Who cares if the professor has to repeat it to the class. It's the professor's job to do so. Good luck!
2006-11-02 13:02:34 · answer #2 · answered by seelee916 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could get upset over this, or you could consider the extra time off a gift. College is so demanding that a little time off is a blessing. Even if you did nothing but rest those two hours that's O.K. College students have a right to skip classes if they choose, and the professor was giving you a break, not stealing your time with him or her. Lighten up and be thankful.
2006-11-02 12:51:48 · answer #3 · answered by Fish <>< 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not worth complaining about...if no one shows for class except 3 people it's not worth the professors time to lecture 3 people when he'll have to repeat it the following time for everyone else. Just remember this, "If you can't change something, there is no reason to get upset about it." It's happened already so you can't change it, right?
2006-11-02 12:50:07 · answer #4 · answered by Happy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Complaints may result in a resentment towards you from the Professor. Instead, ask for some extra credit for those that did attend on behalf of the 3 of you that were there.
2006-11-02 12:45:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What do you mean "Halloween is not a holiday"? Of course it is.
Will it do you any good to complain? I suspect not -- so why expend the energy on it?
2006-11-02 16:34:44 · answer #6 · answered by Ranto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with marvin, it wasn't the professor's fault that nobody came.
2006-11-02 12:50:31 · answer #7 · answered by silverdolphin86 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a holiday....I suggest suck it up and get over it...nobody likes a whiner!
2006-11-02 12:48:50 · answer #8 · answered by hurley_gurl_10 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋