next »

[whipkitty]

The only criticism is that I always have a special posse. That's probably true, but if you want to be in my posse, it's pretty easy. Come to class, do your work, and participate a little. It's not like being in my posse requires dues or fees and an arduous selection process.

I get that same complaint on my evaluations, "Dr. Mer has favorites".  Yes, I sure do.  I love people who are prepared and make an effort to learn in class by trying everything and asking good questions.  Anyone could be in that favorite group; some of my favorite students squeak that C, but I couldn't be prouder.  I would trade the whiny why-isn't-my-B-an-A? students for started-with-an-H-background-but-worked-their-butts-off-for-a-C students every time.

I am so glad I'm not the only who gets accused of this...and I feel exactly the same way.  Yes, I have favorites.  The ones that try.  The ones that treat me like a human being instead of a serf.  The ones that do not spend so much time worrying about being a favorite, but instead channel their energy into producing quality work.

[lyndonparker]

The only criticism is that I always have a special posse. That's probably true, but if you want to be in my posse, it's pretty easy. Come to class, do your work, and participate a little. It's not like being in my posse requires dues or fees and an arduous selection process.

I get that same complaint on my evaluations, "Dr. Mer has favorites".  Yes, I sure do.  I love people who are prepared and make an effort to learn in class by trying everything and asking good questions.  Anyone could be in that favorite group; some of my favorite students squeak that C, but I couldn't be prouder.  I would trade the whiny why-isn't-my-B-an-A? students for started-with-an-H-background-but-worked-their-butts-off-for-a-C students every time.

I am so glad I'm not the only who gets accused of this...and I feel exactly the same way.  Yes, I have favorites.  The ones that try.  The ones that treat me like a human being instead of a serf.  The ones that do not spend so much time worrying about being a favorite, but instead channel their energy into producing quality work.

The "favorites" issue comes up a great deal at my SLAC, but maybe it's a generational issue. But do I like some students more than others? Darn tootin'. For all of the reasons mentioned above.

[polly_mer]

The only criticism is that I always have a special posse. That's probably true, but if you want to be in my posse, it's pretty easy. Come to class, do your work, and participate a little. It's not like being in my posse requires dues or fees and an arduous selection process.

I get that same complaint on my evaluations, "Dr. Mer has favorites".  Yes, I sure do.  I love people who are prepared and make an effort to learn in class by trying everything and asking good questions.  Anyone could be in that favorite group; some of my favorite students squeak that C, but I couldn't be prouder.  I would trade the whiny why-isn't-my-B-an-A? students for started-with-an-H-background-but-worked-their-butts-off-for-a-C students every time.

I am so glad I'm not the only who gets accused of this...and I feel exactly the same way.  Yes, I have favorites.  The ones that try.  The ones that treat me like a human being instead of a serf.  The ones that do not spend so much time worrying about being a favorite, but instead channel their energy into producing quality work.

The "favorites" issue comes up a great deal at my SLAC, but maybe it's a generational issue. But do I like some students more than others? Darn tootin'. For all of the reasons mentioned above.

What I suspect is that the favorites is a way for students to whine about fairness in a roundabout way because I only get that comment in my classes that are workshop-style.

Yes, I spend lots more time with students who get something from Socratic methods than I do with students who are trying to treat me like an answer key.  If your question can be answered by "Did you read the chapter?  Well, reread the section on <blah> again and catch me on the next round of the room if you still have questions", then that's the answer you get and you can put "she answers questions with smart remarks instead of helping" all you like on my evaluations.  If your question requires interaction with an expert to get you on the right track, then that's what you get.