Let’s look at this massive cloud of pain that is passing through me. 1/- Every fall is so incredibly painful because of Spanish 201. Como tantas veces he dicho, I would take any other Spanish course, or any other courses in the other disciplines in which I have the 18 graduate hours or the equivalent, … More On sacrifice
This is so not my job and I would so like to do other things, but I am required to teach at this level and I have decided that the only way to make it non-draining is to put serious effort into it. That goes against all standard academic advice — especially since the memos … More Advice for my department
Now that my classes next semester are writing intensive, by decree, I must remember to use them, or at least one of them, to write a paper as well. I have that exceptionalism paper to write, and that earlier article to finish; for my modern Latin American course, where everyone is responsible for presenting work … More Advice to new faculty, versión infinita
At this point I would consider, for six figures, a job in language program — almost — because I have so much experience of the language program wars, I might as well. I could do better than the average, narrow SLA person, I am sure. Everyone wants to get the language program taken care of … More A hypothesis.
It is a week or so early but I am declaring myself undepressed now for four months, although November is always stressful. I had an emotional crisis that I let run, so that I could see what it was. I could have shut it off by keeping busy, but I wanted to see what it was. … More Four months
Luis Enrique Galván has an article by this title in Amauta 20 (January 1929): 58-63. It is a brilliant critique of examinations, particularly standardized tests, and particularly those administered by a central authority. “Como un regazo anacrónico de las viejas máquinas usadas para la tortura escolar, desde las humildes escuelitas primarias hasta nuestras universidades hinchadas de … More La psico-pedagogía de los exámenes
Dear Z, I hope you enjoyed The Modern and the Postmodern. If you would like to support Wesleyan’s effort to offer future Coursera courses, please consider making a gift to the Wesleyan Fund in support of online education by clicking here. Any amount you are able to donate will be greatly appreciated. Of course, this … More I will e-mail Michael Roth, after all.
I do not think of myself as a teacher of foreign languages or have a great interest in this but I am a zealot if required. This is my manifesto. 1. The custom of presenting all grammar in the first year, and reviewing it in the second, is incoherent and must be revised. 2. The … More Manifesto
“Teaching to the test and a culturally indoctrinated fear of failure leaves many students confused (and therefore angry) when confronted with thinking.” I should print this out and post it on my door. This text is also very important. #OccupyHE. Axé.
Here is a bell curve. I could use it. I could also have: 20% W and F, 20% D, 20% C, 20% B, and 20% A. This would up my grades, and be nicer than a bell curve since more people would have A than F. Not that it will help you at all, but … More On grades
