Look, as college students, it's a fair assumption to say that we're all looking to do the least amount of work, while still receiving the most amount of credit. Historically, I've simply called this "academic efficiency". However it has come to my attention that there is a line between academic efficiency and laziness.
There's a golden rule to academic efficiency that must always be adhered to: You never reveal to the professor that you're looking to do the least amount of work. In other words, you never ask the forbidden question of, "Is this going to be on the test?"
For me, "academic efficiency" is about not only doing the minimum amount of work possible, but also getting something out of the course being taken. Someone asking "Is this going to be on the test" means to me that you're being lazy. I don't just write a 3-page paper filled with bullshit, but instead I write a 3-page paper with only the information needed to get the best grade. In the process of determining what that necessary information is, I learn.
It's not a bad way to go, really. But I wish everyone else in my classes would stop being lazy and actually think and analyze what's being taught to us. People might actually learn something.
All college students should be aware of this. There are too many people who sit in class complaining about the work they have to do, even for the simplest of assignments. Sure, sometimes you'll get a sub-par professor who doesn't teach all that well and you'll be a little lost. That's what text books are for! But, of course, we can't expect a lazy person to actually read something for their own benefit.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite, favorite, FAVORITE thing is when a class meets once a week and the teacher assigns 15 pages of reading and a few short assignments. And then you overhear students bitching about how they don't have time to do so much reading and then they unsuccessfully attempt to lead a revolt by refusing to do the homework.
ReplyDeleteNO ONE IS FORCING YOU TO PAY MONEY TO EARN A DEGREE, SO SHUT THE HELL UP AND READ THE BOOK.
I want all these lazy people to take a class with a certain Humanities professor and THEN complain about some reading from a textbook and a fill-in-the-blank assignment.
Also: GET A BABYSITTER.