When I first entered George Mason University, I thought the school was the epitome of my dream school. The diversity completely drew me in along with the appearance of the campus and the sensation that I was in a new environment. However, reality did sink in, and some aspects of George Mason University did not suit me as well as others (still, the good has outnumbered the bad).
In my ideal university, things are able to accommodate the student rather than the student having to compromise to endure things at school. For example, sleep has become a slight struggle whilst being in college. It would be amazing if classes started at a reasonable time (preferably after 10). The same can be said for very late classes. Imagine having to go from a very late class, then back to the dorm to finish homework, and then having the find the time to sleep so that you could be up for your early class. It seems like too much of a hassle for one person. The lack of time also takes away from the opportunity to be able to attend certain events that happen at night. The sleep deprivation is one of the hardest things to deal with in college; it can be a huge factor in how well one does in his or her classes, in health, and in social interaction.
In addition to social interaction, each class within college should have an environment where you can interact with the professor. While some may opt out of this idea, it is nice to be able to speak to the professor when there are troubles concerning grades. Also, it is nice to have a professional opinion when it comes to ideas or work. I do not think that college should have smaller lectures, but I feel there should be a time when it’s okay to have a one-on-one with the professor. It would be useful when a student requires a recommendation or something similar. Sometimes, I enjoy speaking to my professors; it makes asking a question less awkward, and I am capable of really engaging in the class when I understand how my teacher works.
In my ideal university, the choices of classes are also slightly different. General education classes are understandable, but they make it difficult to engage yourself n the classes needed for your major. I noticed that even as I began college, I was worried about finishing my Gen. Education classes before I could worry about my major (back then, I wasn’t even sure I had my major together). I would love for the General Education classes to be optional. For the last twelve years, I have been enduring nearly the same courses I am taking now for my gen eds, and a part of me feels so worn by them. I want to be able to focus on the classes for my major and to have the opportunity to take elective classes. In a way, it’d allow for the student to be able to get into what he or she wants rather than what he or she needs. While the classes or the major are required, there is more of chance that a student will tolerate those classes rather than the ones for the General Education. If General Education classes can’t be optional, then I would want a wider variety so that many topics and interests can be covered.
The work load could also use a change. The workload I have now is slightly spaced out more compared to the work I received in high school, but something about the workload still feels like there is too much at hand. The amount of homework I get at a time is enough to make my head explode; so, I feel like there should be alternating weeks of work and learning. With a week of learning and interaction, a student can recharge him or herself while getting more time to work assignments for his or her class. Instead of rushing through things, there would be more of an opportunity for the student to do well and to have a chance to relax.
Regardless o the bad, the way I am in college now is better than I had expected from the beginning. I think it’s better to say, college is continuously molding me into someone that I enjoy rather than someone I wish I could change further. I am getting every opportunity to better myself and to enjoy things that will continue to open my mind to new ideas and to life.
One thing I really like about your ideas for you ideal university is the lack of some General Education classes. I, too, think that many of these should be optional, because most students have already completed years of classes in this subject. Except for a select few classes that would be universal, students should only have to take Gen Ed classes that have a correlation to their major. Either that, or more classes/electives should be eligible to fulfill the Gen Ed requirements.
ReplyDeleteI also really like your idea for an alternating week work load. That would provide great relief for many students, including myself. Only having work every other week for any of my classes would make it easier for me to balance the homework I get from each of my classes.
Finally, I agree with your opinion that there should be more interaction between students and professors. Whether this would happen in one-on-one sessions or possibly small group sessions, I believe it could greatly benefit students struggling in the course, those who just need some reassurance, and those who just need a little constructive feedback.