Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Black history month was a view made reality by a man named Carter G. Woodson. First named Negro History and Literature week, renamed Negro Achievement Week, was established in 1924. Woodson worked over nearly twenty years in order to prove that African Americans have played a crucial role in the development of this country. I believe that Woodson was in the right trying to make his dream possible. African Americans have played a tremendous role in this countries history. First with bringing diversity to and other ideas to a one sided country. Many everyday products we use today were brought to us from blacks from peanut butter to air-conditioners. Now today we have been blessed with our first African American President Barack Obama. But the question is, do we need Black History Month anymore and my answer is no. With the advancment of colored people working in government and other high power jobs, the biased and unjust desicans against Africans can now become equal. I believe now that with Whites and Blacks sitting side by side, president by vice president, the nation has showed we understand the importance of African Americans. A whole month to remined us is no loger needed.
What message does Black history month really send?
Miss. Black America, Black History month, Black TV Online, what are we teaching our children with these? I believe it is time to reunite America. We have just elected our first African American President and I know that is not prof positive that we have changed and are as a nation completely done with the racism that has plagued us, however I believe that it is prof of progress and a willingness to change. I believe it is time to start taking the race matter out of the spot light, maybe if we don't make such a big deal out of the fact that I'm Native American and my best friend is African American we will be able to move past the ugliness. I think we need to study all the wonderful achievements of blacks in history but no more so than any other race. Black History month was started in 1924 after Carter G. Woodson discovered that change could not be made just by concentrating on the academic community. I believe that in the past it was necessary and helpful, however I don't think that is the case anymore. We have a month of most nationalities in the country but none are celebrated like black history month, most people don't even know that the others exist. I honestly believe that where black history month and Miss. Black America were once needed to make life fair and to bring attention to important issues, I don't believe that to be the case anymore. I think that it is time in history to take the emphasis off race and start putting back on to the character of the person.
Black History Means More Than a Month
Black History Month was originally one week that was created in 1926. One of its purposes was to ensure that students were being taught black history, seeing as how many noteworthy African-Americans were not even mentioned in most history books. It is obvious that our country has come a long way since then, especially considering the election of President Barack Obama.
This certainly does not mean that racism has ended, but it does mean that we have come to a place where Black History Month is no longer needed. The history of an entire race of people should not just be confined to a month. In an interview with 60 Minutes, actor Morgan Freeman said, "I don't want a black history month. Black history is American history." So, every month should be Black History Month.
Ending Black History Month would be a sign that we are ready to learn about and celebrate the achievements of African-Americans throughout the year. Not only that, but people should also take the time throughout the year to learn about many different races and cultures.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Black History Month No Longer Needed
Black History Month started as a way to make sure Americans knew the history of African Americans who were left out of text books. Today, blacks and whites are both discussed in all American history classes; therefore, Black History Month is no longer needed. Every month Americans should embrace learning about the history of blacks, whites, and every other race on the globe. Now in America, the majority of people view all races as equal, so there is no need to segregate a single month for the learning of one races history.
Black history month started in 1926 as “Negro History Week”. It was later changed to an entire month because it gained national popularity. February was picked for Black History Month for a number or reasons. The second week of February was chosen as “Negro History Week” because it was the week that included the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglas, two pioneers in the area of African American history. February is also significant because the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution was passed in February 1870, giving African American men the right to vote. W. E. B. Dubois and Malcolm X were also born in February. These dates and events should be just a few of the many things that have happened in the history of blacks in every month of the year. These events should be studied and celebrated along with many other events throughout the entire year, not just limited to one month. Therefore, we no longer need a Black History Month in America.
Black history month started in 1926 as “Negro History Week”. It was later changed to an entire month because it gained national popularity. February was picked for Black History Month for a number or reasons. The second week of February was chosen as “Negro History Week” because it was the week that included the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglas, two pioneers in the area of African American history. February is also significant because the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution was passed in February 1870, giving African American men the right to vote. W. E. B. Dubois and Malcolm X were also born in February. These dates and events should be just a few of the many things that have happened in the history of blacks in every month of the year. These events should be studied and celebrated along with many other events throughout the entire year, not just limited to one month. Therefore, we no longer need a Black History Month in America.
Keep your Heads Nappy
Once, only a week long; after years of fights for equality Black history has earned a full month to be commemorated. However, the debate is open on whether it’s still relevant to maintain a month of celebration on the history of African Americans.
Black History Months was established in 1929, in order to celebrate the importance of African americans in the history of the United States, and help blacks integrate with American culture. Another reason was because blacks never gained appropriate recognition in text books until the 20th century, hoping a national celebration could help cover such a gap.
According to an article on DiversityInc, Reverend Ron Page claimed that “Without it, the young generation coming forth, the young people that are walking the road right now, would not have the wisdom or the incentive to really understand the price that was paid for them to be able to go through many of the doors that they're walking through.”
I disagree.
A national month cannot transmit the young generations the importance of their origins. Learning to understand your past and seeking your roots is a deeper process than the ones utilize during Black History Month; such as watching movies, going on field trips, or partying. Young African Americans should remember who they are every time they step out of their door, and not only during the cold month of February through fun activities.
Another recent event that could lead to the certainty that Black History Month is not needed anymore is the nation’s election of the first African American president. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, blacks and African Americans are the second largest minority in the United States. Although still considered a minority, blacks are now a fully integrated ethnicity in the country, and we no longer need to celebrate them as a minority.
Black History Months was established in 1929, in order to celebrate the importance of African americans in the history of the United States, and help blacks integrate with American culture. Another reason was because blacks never gained appropriate recognition in text books until the 20th century, hoping a national celebration could help cover such a gap.
According to an article on DiversityInc, Reverend Ron Page claimed that “Without it, the young generation coming forth, the young people that are walking the road right now, would not have the wisdom or the incentive to really understand the price that was paid for them to be able to go through many of the doors that they're walking through.”
I disagree.
A national month cannot transmit the young generations the importance of their origins. Learning to understand your past and seeking your roots is a deeper process than the ones utilize during Black History Month; such as watching movies, going on field trips, or partying. Young African Americans should remember who they are every time they step out of their door, and not only during the cold month of February through fun activities.
Another recent event that could lead to the certainty that Black History Month is not needed anymore is the nation’s election of the first African American president. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, blacks and African Americans are the second largest minority in the United States. Although still considered a minority, blacks are now a fully integrated ethnicity in the country, and we no longer need to celebrate them as a minority.
Awareness or an Unnecessary Event?
Black History Month first stared as "Negro History Week' back in 1926 and later blossomed into a month long event. But for many years there has been a major controversy about the necessity of this event. In the early years of Black History Month much awareness was raised and this event seemed like a good idea but in the recent times were racism is almost non-existent many doubt the necessity of this tradition. In the current generation informing people about the history of the African-Americans is virtually pointless. Ever since we step into to school we are taught history of whites, blacks, and any other religion mashed together, organized by chronological order and not the color of their skin.
There has been some serious controversial points made even by the members of the African-American community. Morgan Freeman, an actor, considers the whole affair as a shallow ritual, and it undermines the contention that black history is American history. I can strongly agree with that statement because that the African-American culture cannot be the only one with its own history month. If you are going to make a minority history month you should include other races such as Hispanics and Native Americans.
I believe that black history is very important to our education but they should not single out the African-Americans when dedicating a whole month to them. Other minority cultures deserve to have a month dedicated to their culture, considering some of these minorities were here before anyone else.
There has been some serious controversial points made even by the members of the African-American community. Morgan Freeman, an actor, considers the whole affair as a shallow ritual, and it undermines the contention that black history is American history. I can strongly agree with that statement because that the African-American culture cannot be the only one with its own history month. If you are going to make a minority history month you should include other races such as Hispanics and Native Americans.
I believe that black history is very important to our education but they should not single out the African-Americans when dedicating a whole month to them. Other minority cultures deserve to have a month dedicated to their culture, considering some of these minorities were here before anyone else.
Where's the Unity?
A little bit of Dutch. A portion of Scotch-Irish. A tad German, and a smidge of Cherokee. I guess I’m what you call a down right mutt. My heritage is scattered and thinned down. My history is vague and distant to me. There’s never been much attention focused on the different histories of my ancestors, except what I have learned in school. Right now we’re in the middle of Black History month. After seeing all the promotion for it I began to wonder – what about my history?
Many today question whether or not we should still celebrate Black History month. To me, Black History month is a month well-served. African-Americans need to know the adversities their ancestors have endured, the triumphs accomplished and all the stories that their ancestors have to tell. As do the rest of the nation. Dedicating a month and ensuring public awareness is a great way to keep it all alive. The question is, what about the rest of our heritages?
There are probably not too many people that are aware that November is National American Indian Month. Or that European Heritage Month is in April. And probably very few people know that October is German-American Heritage month. What I want to know is where are the commercials in November reminding us that it is National American Indian Month? Where are the banners on the internet or national recognition in schools?
Black History month is extremely well recognized throughout the nation. I think it’s great. However, we all need to be aware of the history of the many diverse heritages that make up our country and helped create this country. All of our ancestors have been through struggles and victories. Each heritage has its own story to tell and lessons to be learned. For those reasons we should continue to celebrate Black History Month, yet we should also start focusing on promoting the different months dedicated to different heritages. If we give equal attention to all heritages, then knowledge and appreciation of our pasts can be embraced. Differences can be more understood. And once you have understanding, the goal of unity is one step closer.
Many today question whether or not we should still celebrate Black History month. To me, Black History month is a month well-served. African-Americans need to know the adversities their ancestors have endured, the triumphs accomplished and all the stories that their ancestors have to tell. As do the rest of the nation. Dedicating a month and ensuring public awareness is a great way to keep it all alive. The question is, what about the rest of our heritages?
There are probably not too many people that are aware that November is National American Indian Month. Or that European Heritage Month is in April. And probably very few people know that October is German-American Heritage month. What I want to know is where are the commercials in November reminding us that it is National American Indian Month? Where are the banners on the internet or national recognition in schools?
Black History month is extremely well recognized throughout the nation. I think it’s great. However, we all need to be aware of the history of the many diverse heritages that make up our country and helped create this country. All of our ancestors have been through struggles and victories. Each heritage has its own story to tell and lessons to be learned. For those reasons we should continue to celebrate Black History Month, yet we should also start focusing on promoting the different months dedicated to different heritages. If we give equal attention to all heritages, then knowledge and appreciation of our pasts can be embraced. Differences can be more understood. And once you have understanding, the goal of unity is one step closer.
Stop Segregating History
It all started as an attempt to educate Blacks about their history and culture, as well as to shed light upon the role blacks played in American history. But, in this day and age, is it really necessary to have a whole month dedicated to the history that is now an integral part of the history curriculum everywhere?
I have nothing against blacks, or any other race for that matter, and I genuinely appreciate their contributions to this society, both today and in our history. Black history is a part of American history and we are learning all about this history year round, not just February. So, do we really need this month dedicated to learning black history when we’re already learning it in class? As Rochelle Riley of freep.com puts it, “it’s time to stop celebrating, learning and being Americans separately”. We stopped segregating schools 40 years ago, so now it is time to stop separating our history.
In an interview with 60 Minutes, Morgan Freeman, an African American, states that he thinks black history month is “ridiculous”. He does not want a black history month because black history is American history and should not be “relegated to one month”.
Several races and ethnic groups played a big part in American history, but we do not have a month for Hispanic, Jewish or French history. I am not trying to take anything away from the blacks, but I do not believe it is necessary to have a month dedicated to black history. It all started as a way to make everyone aware of the contributions African Americans have made to our history and it was effective. The rich cultural history of blacks is everywhere in text books now, so I think black history month has accomplished what it was established to do. Let’s stop separating ourselves and learn American history as a whole.
I have nothing against blacks, or any other race for that matter, and I genuinely appreciate their contributions to this society, both today and in our history. Black history is a part of American history and we are learning all about this history year round, not just February. So, do we really need this month dedicated to learning black history when we’re already learning it in class? As Rochelle Riley of freep.com puts it, “it’s time to stop celebrating, learning and being Americans separately”. We stopped segregating schools 40 years ago, so now it is time to stop separating our history.
In an interview with 60 Minutes, Morgan Freeman, an African American, states that he thinks black history month is “ridiculous”. He does not want a black history month because black history is American history and should not be “relegated to one month”.
Several races and ethnic groups played a big part in American history, but we do not have a month for Hispanic, Jewish or French history. I am not trying to take anything away from the blacks, but I do not believe it is necessary to have a month dedicated to black history. It all started as a way to make everyone aware of the contributions African Americans have made to our history and it was effective. The rich cultural history of blacks is everywhere in text books now, so I think black history month has accomplished what it was established to do. Let’s stop separating ourselves and learn American history as a whole.
Not Just Black History Needs Recognition.
Black History Month has been a celebration since 1926. Since then we have had integration, the signing of the Civil Rights Acts, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Malcom X and now, President Barack Obama. I do believe that the celebration of this culture is important and should never be forgotten, however, I think a month is a little much.
John Ridley, a correspondent for National Pubic Radio (NPR) says, "Now I happen to believe that Black History Month is a set-aside. But the reason it is a set-aside is because even in 2009, most schools do a poor job of integrating black history-or Hispanic history or Asian-American history- into their yearly curriculum. Are kids really taught about the Nisei brigade or Executive Order 9066, the Trail of Tears or the National Farm Workers Association?" Ridley goes on to say, "This isn't the history of one ethnicity. It's our history. And until our history is fully explored throughout the school year, then Black History Month remains relevant."
I agree to disagree with Ridley. There is no question the black, Asian, Hispanic, Native American, Latino and all other ethnicity's should be celebrated. If we took a month to celebrate each one, however, there goes the year. Do we just cut out all the other holidays? What will we tell the kids? We, as a nation, need to realize that we need to celebrate our American History. As Ridley said "It's our history." therefore, we need to celebrate how far we, as a people have come.
Black History month celebrates one group of people, it is not the celebration of Executive Order 9066, the Trail of Tears or the National Farm Workers Association, if it was then it wouldn't be Black History Month. Instead it might be American History month or even the Month of Political and Government Decisions Month. In a perfect world, right? In the end Black History Month remains but we need also to account for all the other ethnicity's that have contributed to the building of our United States of America.
John Ridley, a correspondent for National Pubic Radio (NPR) says, "Now I happen to believe that Black History Month is a set-aside. But the reason it is a set-aside is because even in 2009, most schools do a poor job of integrating black history-or Hispanic history or Asian-American history- into their yearly curriculum. Are kids really taught about the Nisei brigade or Executive Order 9066, the Trail of Tears or the National Farm Workers Association?" Ridley goes on to say, "This isn't the history of one ethnicity. It's our history. And until our history is fully explored throughout the school year, then Black History Month remains relevant."
I agree to disagree with Ridley. There is no question the black, Asian, Hispanic, Native American, Latino and all other ethnicity's should be celebrated. If we took a month to celebrate each one, however, there goes the year. Do we just cut out all the other holidays? What will we tell the kids? We, as a nation, need to realize that we need to celebrate our American History. As Ridley said "It's our history." therefore, we need to celebrate how far we, as a people have come.
Black History month celebrates one group of people, it is not the celebration of Executive Order 9066, the Trail of Tears or the National Farm Workers Association, if it was then it wouldn't be Black History Month. Instead it might be American History month or even the Month of Political and Government Decisions Month. In a perfect world, right? In the end Black History Month remains but we need also to account for all the other ethnicity's that have contributed to the building of our United States of America.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Assignment Due Wednesday, February 18
We'll blog this week in recognition of Black History Month. Do you think a Black History Month is still needed? In your research, explore the history of Black History Month itself, and find out what experts are saying on the issue.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Class Scheduling
Going to class five days a week is just beginning to become a hassle. This will be my fifteenth year reunion with this scheduling and this is a reunion I wouldn't mind having to experience again.
As of now, Piedmont offers fifty minute Monday, Wednesday, Friday classes, one hour and fifteen minute Tuesday Thursday class and night classes that last up to four hours. From my experiences these times are either to short for a class to long for a class or too long for a human attention span to keep a person awake.
Ever Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I walk into English with Dr. Almagno and by the end of ever class she states to use how we need more then fifty minutes to talk about historical writers and books we have read. I agree with her fully. But if we lengthen the class period of fifty minute classes I don't expect to be going three times a week like we are presently.
To go without a Friday class would be my favorite scenario but it is a far fetched dream. While looking up facts for Friday class I found many article from the University of Missouri that mentioned with no class on Friday, college students are more like to begin drinking earlier. You would think this would have any affect at an already dry campus but people work around it. Due to this article i find it hard to ever get ride of friday class.
Lastly are the four hour night classes. As said by Mike Peterson "Are kids even getting their moneys worth, I mean half the time the class is let out an hour early which to me isn't getting my moneys worth." Also the average attention span is close to 20 minutes for adults as said by NewsWise.com. This struck me by surprise due to the fact that I have never had a twenty minute class so how much information do I actually retain. How much information have I lost due to these class times. I guess well probably never know.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Happy Medium
Class times seem to be an issue between students and teachers. Some teachers claim that their period times are too short and they cannot get the material out to their students. I can agree with that statement because I feel that sometimes the class is cut short in a middle of an important segment and staying over to get the rest of the information down is usually not an option because of other classes that are starting in ten minutes and students sometimes have to leave immediately to make it to the next class.
So what to do? If we eliminate Friday classes and have 1 hour and 15 minute classes Monday through Thursday the class times will be extended and the teachers can get more material in to the students.
But what will the students think of this change. I personally enjoy 50 minute classes to those of an1 hour and 15 minute class. Some of the classes that I am taking are well-made for a longer class such as my TV classes. But my history class just seems too long; I would prefer a shorter history class because after an hour I feel like banging my head against the wall.
If we cannot reach a compromise I believe that core classes, such as English and History, should be offered in more convenient time slots.
Time to Sleep
Class is boring but we have to go. I’ve been in classes where my head nods and I don’t realize I’m falling asleep until I jump when I wake up and almost fall out of my chair; I’m sure I’m not the only one. This happens with the classes that are too long. Why have Psychology classes for 1 hour and 15 minutes? I can’t remember everything a professor says in that amount of time; the professor can’t even stay focused for that amount of time. Yet we have tests with information never talked about in class. Were not all genuses’s who know everything; were here to learn. Piedmont needs to look at the schedule and put classes that can last 1 hour and 15 minutes on Tuesday and Thursday. Dr. Stephanie Almagno, a professor at Piedmont, talked to Dean of Piedmont about our schedule. He told Dr. Almagno Spanish needed less time so the students can remember what they were taught for the next class, yet there are still Spanish classes that are night classes, which last up to 5 hours, and Tues and Thursday classes. How can the students remember with the class that long? I have talked to students at Piedmont, I can’t give their names, and they have told me History and English are the 2 general classes where the professor’s don’t run out of information to teach. If Piedmont keeps this schedule the way it is now, people will still be like me, nodding off in their sleep and wishing they were somewhere else.
Too long or not long enough
Are classes at Piedmont really working for all of the students or can they be better? I don't think that a 50 min class is quite long enough. I came from a high school with block scheduling and the classes were longer at high school than they are here. A 50 min class is more like a tease than a real class. You are in the room just long enough for the teacher to go over the assignment from the night before and then the assignment for the coming night and that's the class. In my mind college classes were supposed to be more about learning and bouncing ideas off of other people and learning from your professors experiences and not just about at home do it yourself work. In my opinion it would be more helpful to have longer classes less days a week. Tuesday and Thursday classes are 1 hr and 15 min long and I think this is a more appropriate length for a class. If Monday, Wednesday, and Friday classes changed to only meet on Monday and Wednesday for an hour and 15 min than I think that not only would we learn more but we would have time to really interact in our classes. Not only that but it would probably cut down on people cutting classes. Right now my smallest classes all happen on Fridays, if people are going to skip that seems to be the day to do it. I really think that this would be a much better schedule for the classes and would help the students learn and retain more information rather than trying to figure it out on our own in our rooms.
Class Schedules at Piedmont
There is no such thing as a perfect class schedule, but the system Piedmont has in place now is best for the school.
Students often feel bored in a class that lasts an hour and 15 minutes, but the same students will also complain that they did not have time to complete a test in a 50 minute class. No matter what the situation is, there are those who will always find flaws. People must consider that Piedmont is a small school, so certain classes can only be offered at certain times and for certain lengths of time. However, for a small school, Piedmont does the best they can at this.
Most of the time, it is not the length of time that is even the issue. If a student likes the subject or finds the professor interesting, then the class will rush by in no time. But if is a less interesting subject or the professor is unable to captivate the attention of the students, then a class that lasts the same amount of time will seem to drag on forever.
As far as night classes go, many of the four hour long classes are required for certain majors. If it is a class that relates to the student's major, then it should be able to hold his or her interest.
Class length should be an important factor for students choosing their schedules. For those who know that they have trouble sitting still for hour and 15 minute classes, then it would be a good idea to take that class on days when it is 50 minutes, if possible.
The Attention Span of Generation Y is Little to None
We’ve all been there… Sitting in a class for what seems like hours, when in reality, it’s only about an hour. The attention span of an average college student is almost non-existent. Most of us can’t even sit through our 50-minute classes without the desire to take a peek at our cell phone and see if anyone has sent us a text. If this is the case for a class just under an hour, how are we ever supposed to retain anything from a four-hour class?
Classes at Piedmont College are offered three times a week for 50 minutes, twice a week for one hour and 15 minutes or once a week for around four hours. I took Spanish One and Two last semester as eight week night classes, and I do not really remember much from either of the classes, except for staring the clock for the last few hours of each class. In fact, usually my night class did not even last the full four hours. So why are we still sitting through such long classes? Shorter class periods are much more effective for Generation Y. In an article from Campus Life, Naomi Rockler-Gladen points out that college students have always gotten bored very easily, but for this generation it’s much worse.
I speak from experience. I have been through classes as long as six hours, and I can tell you one thing for sure: I had a much easier time taking the final in the classes that lasted no longer than one hour and 15 minutes. I understand that some students prefer to take night classes, especially non-traditional students, but how much can one really learn in that sort of environment? Night class length should compare to those of the day classes. Instead of the four hour night classes lasting only eight weeks, a students could take two classes each night for 16 weeks, each lasting two hours with a short break after one hour.
Students would retain much more from these classes and it would still work with the schedules of the non-traditional student with two kids, working a full time job
Classes at Piedmont College are offered three times a week for 50 minutes, twice a week for one hour and 15 minutes or once a week for around four hours. I took Spanish One and Two last semester as eight week night classes, and I do not really remember much from either of the classes, except for staring the clock for the last few hours of each class. In fact, usually my night class did not even last the full four hours. So why are we still sitting through such long classes? Shorter class periods are much more effective for Generation Y. In an article from Campus Life, Naomi Rockler-Gladen points out that college students have always gotten bored very easily, but for this generation it’s much worse.
I speak from experience. I have been through classes as long as six hours, and I can tell you one thing for sure: I had a much easier time taking the final in the classes that lasted no longer than one hour and 15 minutes. I understand that some students prefer to take night classes, especially non-traditional students, but how much can one really learn in that sort of environment? Night class length should compare to those of the day classes. Instead of the four hour night classes lasting only eight weeks, a students could take two classes each night for 16 weeks, each lasting two hours with a short break after one hour.
Students would retain much more from these classes and it would still work with the schedules of the non-traditional student with two kids, working a full time job
Piedmont Class Schedules
Class schedules at Piedmont College, like any other college, are carefully planned to accommodate students and facilitate their routines. Although most class hours are comfortable to the majority of students, the length of some class hours are too stressful and don’t allow enjoyable sessions to neither students nor teachers.
The shortest class hours are usually proposed on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday schedules, with 50 minutes per class. This particular class length is sufficient to allow teacher to present their lesson, and to keep student’s attention alert until the end of the course. Classes proposed on Tuesday and Thursday usually last 75 minutes, yet they are still tolerable.
Students attending afternoon and night classes are the ones who suffer the Piedmont class schedule the most. Usually after 5 p.m. classes range from 2 hours to nearly 5 hours. Trying to concentrate a 16 week course in a single day per week is understandable, and in many cases is accommodating to students with jobs or family, yet the length of the class is too stressful for anyone to bear. Most of the times students leave before the end of class, demonstrating that after all, such long classes are useless if students don’t stay until the end.
Students can't keep their attention alive for more than 4 hours, and teachers can be just as drained out. Although it could cause discomfort to some students, night classes should be split to at least two days a week, permitting students and teachers to attend sessions with more energy.
The shortest class hours are usually proposed on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday schedules, with 50 minutes per class. This particular class length is sufficient to allow teacher to present their lesson, and to keep student’s attention alert until the end of the course. Classes proposed on Tuesday and Thursday usually last 75 minutes, yet they are still tolerable.
Students attending afternoon and night classes are the ones who suffer the Piedmont class schedule the most. Usually after 5 p.m. classes range from 2 hours to nearly 5 hours. Trying to concentrate a 16 week course in a single day per week is understandable, and in many cases is accommodating to students with jobs or family, yet the length of the class is too stressful for anyone to bear. Most of the times students leave before the end of class, demonstrating that after all, such long classes are useless if students don’t stay until the end.
Students can't keep their attention alive for more than 4 hours, and teachers can be just as drained out. Although it could cause discomfort to some students, night classes should be split to at least two days a week, permitting students and teachers to attend sessions with more energy.
Night Classes
I get up in the morning at 6 a.m., get myself and daughter ready for the day, drop her off at day care, head to work, work eight hours and then drive an hour to Athens for a four-hour class on Thursdays in the evening. I don’t mind the long day once a week; it’s getting in a needed class for my degree. But those classes are hard to come by – especially now that I’m into my major classes
Time length and number or days during the week aren’t too much of an issue for me. Key words “too much”. They do play a part but the main concern I have with Piedmont’s scheduling is the lack of classes offered at night.
Being a single, full-time working mother my time is very limited. Piedmont does offer core-classes at night but even they are hard to come by at times.
But what about my major classes? I’m allowed to take one day class per semester but the rest must be in the evening and the only classes typically offered at night are in Business and Education. I’m now scraping to find classes at night that will count towards my degree.
Sadly, Piedmont is not geared towards non-traditional students like me. Perhaps there is not sufficient interest in night classes I need or the professors can’t teach in the evenings. But Piedmont should make an effort to recruit interest in evening classes or even have some classes offered on the weekend or online to help non-traditional or working students be able to obtain a degree from Piedmont in the desired program of study and within a reasonable time.
I want a degree from Piedmont. Being a junior I’d like it within the next two years. But the truth is, because of scheduling, I don’t know how many years it will take for me to find the classes to complete my degree.
Time length and number or days during the week aren’t too much of an issue for me. Key words “too much”. They do play a part but the main concern I have with Piedmont’s scheduling is the lack of classes offered at night.
Being a single, full-time working mother my time is very limited. Piedmont does offer core-classes at night but even they are hard to come by at times.
But what about my major classes? I’m allowed to take one day class per semester but the rest must be in the evening and the only classes typically offered at night are in Business and Education. I’m now scraping to find classes at night that will count towards my degree.
Sadly, Piedmont is not geared towards non-traditional students like me. Perhaps there is not sufficient interest in night classes I need or the professors can’t teach in the evenings. But Piedmont should make an effort to recruit interest in evening classes or even have some classes offered on the weekend or online to help non-traditional or working students be able to obtain a degree from Piedmont in the desired program of study and within a reasonable time.
I want a degree from Piedmont. Being a junior I’d like it within the next two years. But the truth is, because of scheduling, I don’t know how many years it will take for me to find the classes to complete my degree.
Is Piedmont College Meeting the Students Expectations?
Piedmont College has classes that range in length from 1 to 5 hours long. This may suit some students and for others 5 hours could be too long. When researching other college schedules the 3 schools I looked at had classes ranging from 1 to 4 hours. I am a non-traditional student who enjoys the longer classes but even then I don't think that I could make it much longer than 2 hours. Some classes need to be longer in order to convey the lesson thoroughly. Other classes, such as the general education courses, could very well stay at one hour long.
In my opinion, the required courses are pretty basic. Yes, I could analyze literature all day long but in the end I get the point of the story in an hour or less. The classes a student takes for their major seem to be more in depth and require more discussion from students and teachers. The students I've talked to said that they enjoy going into depth in their area of study and that they benefit from more class time.
There are students who may not be serious about their studies and they might like the shorter classes. So to those students I say, "Be serious about your studies. Work hard and do your best because you are here to have a career and enjoy what you do."
I also believe that if you are a good instructor, the length of class doesn't matter. If the instructor is good he or she will be able to get all the information to the student in whatever time is given them. I have been grateful to have instructors who are able to do just that. My college experience has been awesome and I am so glad that I came to Piedmont. I love the classes but I would love to have more time in some of them. I know that I am getting a good education and as long as I do the work, I know it will be worth all the stress and craziness in the end.
Everyone is different and has different views on the way school should be run but I think that if you have dedicated instructors then any class can be interesting and worth attending, even to the most uninterested students in the least amount of time.
In my opinion, the required courses are pretty basic. Yes, I could analyze literature all day long but in the end I get the point of the story in an hour or less. The classes a student takes for their major seem to be more in depth and require more discussion from students and teachers. The students I've talked to said that they enjoy going into depth in their area of study and that they benefit from more class time.
There are students who may not be serious about their studies and they might like the shorter classes. So to those students I say, "Be serious about your studies. Work hard and do your best because you are here to have a career and enjoy what you do."
I also believe that if you are a good instructor, the length of class doesn't matter. If the instructor is good he or she will be able to get all the information to the student in whatever time is given them. I have been grateful to have instructors who are able to do just that. My college experience has been awesome and I am so glad that I came to Piedmont. I love the classes but I would love to have more time in some of them. I know that I am getting a good education and as long as I do the work, I know it will be worth all the stress and craziness in the end.
Everyone is different and has different views on the way school should be run but I think that if you have dedicated instructors then any class can be interesting and worth attending, even to the most uninterested students in the least amount of time.
Assignment Due Wednesday Feb. 4
Consider the class schedules at Piedmont. Do you think class length is appropriate for a :50 minute class? An hour and 15-minute class, a 4-hour night class? Are there any aspects of the scheduling you think work well or don't work well? Look at other schools' schedules. Talk to other students. Come up with a proposal that you think would work better. Or, defend the system used at Piedmont.
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