Friday, September 11, 2009
Sept. 6-12 blog
I have enjoyed the discussions that we have had in class. Our discussion on Wednesday about conspiracy theories was a revelation for me. I have never had a teacher who was so set on one idea. I think mostly that is because I have taken subjects that I do not believe are subjective like Art History or Agriculture. A Monet is a Monet and a cow is a cow. I think that sometimes there are some subjective aspects of study like in math class, you can do one problem five different ways but that does not change what the answer will be.
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6 comments:
In class, I was thinking that professor can't help but be biased in their lecture, using the same math example you've written. Even, the most uncontronversial subject, math, can be teach in different ways.
But, after reading your blog, I saw a new point- what about subjects like Argiculture?
I've never taken Art History, or agriculture, so I dont know the structure of those lectures. But, it makes me think if a professor like a certain era of art better, wouldnt he/she spend more time on it, and discussing her opinions on the artwork? Although, he/she wouldnt be set on one idea, but he/she will be somewhat biased.
That is a really great concept, that although you can do something different, that doesn't change the outcome. Things just are the way they are and lookimg at them differently doesn't change them. Like you said a cow is a cow. There really isn't much change that can be made there.
Your points about bias are intriguing! How can people have a conversation about a topic without immediately digging their heals in and arguing for their own position? How can teachers/people present topics and allow for an open exchange and analysis of ideas, given their own beliefs?
I learn something new all the time by reading these blogs. You make a great point when you say that a cow is a cow. Some classes are very cut and dry while other classes, like this one, revolve around opinions and investigation. Certain questions can be answered by going down different paths. I always hated that about math classes too. Just tell me the easiest way to find the freaking volume of the cylinder.
I like our class discussions, too. I like your analogy about the math class...it's true. You can solve a system of equations by substitution, elimination, or with matrices, but whatever method you pick, you'll end up with the same answer. Other subjects, not so much. Right now I'm taking Psych 3, the Human Sexuality course. I expected to be learning about psychological theories, research, and how it all fits together from a psychological standpoint. However, the instructor is letting her experience and views as a county health worker totally change the learning outcomes of the course. I feel like I'm in "Sex Ed for Grown-ups" instead of Psychology! When it came time in class for her to lecture on the theories and research, here's what she said: "I'm not going to go over the individual theories and research, because you read about that in your book. That should be good enough." Then she went right back to talking about her job. Whoa! What class am I in, anyway?
I am really enjoying the class discussions as well! Also, I have never had the experience of having a teacher who taught only their opinion. I’ve been fortunate to have teachers who remain somewhat neutral and almost always account for both sides of an issue. Thus far, the majority of my instructors have aimed to stimulate minds and provoke thoughtfulness.
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