Do college students really think their professors work only 20 hours a week?

Question

I saw the question linked below, and nearly keeled over. I answered the question as best I could, explaining what a professor's job actually entails. Do college students really think all we do is teach class and then go home?

Honestly, what do you think your professors' work involves?
(I'm almost afraid to see your answers.)

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070113060030AAQfLHj&r=w#NbUvWju.VzgWVmtLRaAA

Answer 1

Well, I am in my third year of university and by now I've learned that teaching is NOT the sole responsibility of my profs. But I must say, I found your response very informative: there was so much I didn't know. For instance, I didn't think that profs research WHILE they teach; I thought they do it on their breaks. (So, do you EVER get breaks?)

I do agree with the student who said that some teachers just don't put in as much work into their courses as others (which is very unfortunate), but in that professors case, I imagine he's just an uninspired teacher who's probably putting all his time into his research. And I can't help but feel angered by that sort of thing. For the students who genuinely want to learn, an uninspired prof is our worst nightmare: our whole education becomes reduced to a consumer experience. (It's hard enough with the massive class sizes.)

Also, teaching is the most visible aspect of your work to students. That's why maybe there are a few who miss the scope of what your full responsibilities entail.

But don't worry - I think most students understand that their profs are very busy. It's one of the reasons, I think, why so many students are reluctant to visit their profs' office hours (even though that slot IS reserved for us).

Anyway, it sounds like you are one of the more hard working profs. I both feel for you and admire you. Hope you manage to have some fun on occasion, though!

--Actually, in all honesty, how DO professors make time for their personal lives? How do they spend enough time with their kids? Keep relationships up? Do fun things, etc.?

Answer 2

an complete time professor works between 35 and 50 hours a week once you concentration on conferences, events, etc. section time might want to be as low as 10 hours a week for a 5 or 6 hour a week classification, plus conferences, grading, etc. At a 4-year college, pay is likewise tied to even if the Prof has a tenured position. And, in the journey that they are doing any extra analyze initiatives or writing which will herald more desirable gross revenues to the college (and therefore, typically more desirable pay for them as well). Payscales are very typically determined through the style of classes or credit hours that are taught each and each and every semester. A parttime prof at a community college would make $ 7,000 and up. complete time at a community college will be everywhere from $50,000 to $70,000. At a school, complete time can make you $80,000 to $one hundred,000 or more desirable.

Answer 3

It totally include far more stuff:
1) Taking courses to upgrade your teaching techniques.
2) Attending Collegue meetings to organize events for ss' checking the syllabus each starting period and whatever the faculty my come with.
3) Check piles of essays, exams, class projects and etc.
This little 3 activities shave a lot of hours out of extra-classroom activities.

Answer 4

in that person's defense, there are some professors that are slackers and spend less time than they should preparing for lecture, grading exams, papers, etc. and think all they have to do is show up.

i actually had a professor that would just NOT show up. it was so bad that even his secretary didn't know where he was. but when he was in attendance, he sat down and talked about things WAY outside of the scope of the class.

anyway, we understand that most professors actually put in dozens of hours every week. but sometimes, as a student, you can tell when their effort just isn't on par with their compensation.

Answer 5

I would estimate that most professors in the social sciences who teach three undergraduate courses work 15-20 hours a week if they have TAs.

Professors who teach Graduate Level Courses work fewer hours.

Many professors around here are known as RIP (Retired In Place).

This is due to a scam called tenure.

Answer 6

I think that professors spend much more that 20 hours a week protecting and maintaining their huge egos.

I think being a professor involves giving the same lecture for years and years. It also involves having your TAs grade hundreds of assignments. I think it involves sitting in faculty meetings and having democratic discussions with other professors (in other professions this is called whining).

Answer 7

No, we know you wing it 24/7!! Take a break professor, hahaha.

Answer 8

Sounds like being a sacred cow is a tough gig.

Answer 9

I read your lengthy answer.

Are you sure you are not a Grad Assistant?

Your list sounds like the list of a Grad Assistant.