Homework/College question?...

[ShaDoW]

O.k. so I have never been much for doing homework, I really do not see any need for it, Iknow that the majority of sudents highschool or college learn best by having the subject beat into their skulls 24/7... Or damn near... Education is definately structured for that 90-95% of students; I love to learn but when I get home from school I like to have the choice of doing whatever I want w/out there being any negative consequences to my grades.
Which is to say that I am in that 5-10% that really does not get anything from doing homework, I realize that I need to do it but I learn better in the classroom, where I have all the resources I need at my very fingertips...
Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can "get my act together"?

also most of my instructors do not really seem to be enthusiastic about passing knowledge on, it seems like it is just a job to them, a poor way to get an income. Is there anyway I can lay down the things that I need as far as my learning needs are concerned that would be acceptible to the instuctors since I am the one paying for the education?
The only reason I bring it up here is because of the diversity of opinion, also as far as college is concerned I am beginning to feel as though I am pissing my time and money away...
-Jessica
:confused:

[toman]

What kind of school are you going to? I've found that many teachers in the state college/ universtiy systems are like that, in that they're not super enthusiastic about the job. But then, many of the students aren't either; the prevailing attitude is that you're there to get a degree so you can get a job, and if you happen to get an education along the way that's good too. I've never attended a private university, but I know people who have and I've spent some time at a few. The impression I get is that while some of the same mindset still exists, if you make an effort you can seek out teachers and fellow students who share your enthusiasm. My advice would be this, for what it's worth: Maybe don't worry so much about finishing a program and getting that degree. Focus instead on the individual classes you want to take, and who's teaching them. It may take you longer to finish school that way, but you'll probably get a lot more out of it, and enjoy it more. And since you're the one one paying for it, isn't that the point? Good luck!

[ShaDoW]

Thank you toman, I attend a community college that was recommended to me by numerous sources, but I am beginning to think that the numerous sources were terribly inncorrect.

Good advice though, I appreciate it...
:o

[toman]

Good god, community colleges are evil. Little more than a continuation of the public education system, designed to finish what grade school and high school started; sucking out your soul so your body and mind can be put to work.

[mountain*luna]

Ok, while the outlook does seem bleak...think about it--what have you got to lose by going to college? You may think "2-4 years of my life, free time, etc." However, think long run here. If you finish, the worst that's going to happen is you'll be able to find a decent job that doesn't include a fry daddy (let me say here, I am not insinuating that all people who do not finish college or go to college are doomed to fast food, i'm just making a point). You will suffer through hours of classes you don't like just as many if not more times than you will sit through classes that you LOVE (my example: I fucking hate spanish, and have no need for it as a psyc. major and the degree i am seeking, however, I do love my psyc classes and I can't have one without the other).
There are times you are going to say fuck this, I want a life and I want to just work and make money instead of struggling through school financially, mentally, and physically. But if you look around the desks in your classes there are probably about 20 other people that think and fear the same things and about 5 that are worse off than you in terms of hating bullshit and longing for "real" life. But what is that "real life" like? For some with a good attitude, hard work ethic, and diligence, it's making something of yourself and pushing yourself to acheive in your goals and to have fun afterwards. For others it's to have fun first and do a little work to keep the fun going. It's whatever you make of it.

Having said all this, I have many friends that didn't or are not going to complete college and certainly not going to graduate school. COLLEGE IS NOT FOR EVERYONE!! That's not to say college is harder for some or whatever, though that may be true, college life, books, homework, academe may not be for you. My sister didn't go to college, she hated school! But she's a very hard worker and very smart and taught herself what she didn't know or needed to know and now she's got a great job doing things she loves making a big paycheck. I, however, do not have the resourcefulness to just make something of myself and show someone why they are gonna pay me to do it. I want to become trained in an area so I know when I finally get out of school (hopefully with a doctorate) someone's already looking for me, someone already wants me, because I am an expert in an area that will benefit them.

It's funny I should be passing these thoughts on to you, because I have to get this same prep talk almost weekly about getting my ass into graduate school. I'm fucking scared of it! What if I fail, what if it's too hard, What if I have no life for 4-5 years, what if i'm not good enough? What if? I'll never know unless I bite down and really give it a good try instead of making up my mind before I get there that it's going to suck and I'm going to suck at it.
You are always going to have teachers that show up to get their paycheck and if you learn something from them, good for you because they didn't mean to teach you anything. But there are always going to be a few teachers in the area you find out that you like that you begin to respect and admire. And they will teach proactively and want to get you inspired. Try to make human contact with a few teachers, that always helps. Even if it's a teacher you hate, try to talk to them when you pass them on campus or see them eating lunch, they are human. Maybe it's more or less the fact that they teach passively because they teach a general education class that they know half the students are only taking because they have to--teachers aren't stupid (though they may seem it since they usually can't even dress themselves in the current decade)--show some interest in their class (even if it's forced) and they might show some interest in you!
:)

Remember, if you find something you enjoy (for a major) do it, stick to it! It doesn't have to be something glorious or elaborate. Generally if you aren't going to graduate school for a masters or doctorate you are not going to become too specialized in any one field. Therefore the ability to complete college, to do well in college shows that you work hard and are diligent and have tenacity/grit. That's usually what employers are looking at in college graduates. Did you finish? Did you change majors 17 times? etc. Major in something you like, not something you think you should take and it should be a breeze to graduate. Take a few classes in areas you are interested in until you find one that gets you excited! :D

Jeez, I just got myself pumped up, I hope this helps you a little!

[ShaDoW]

I graduated from an alternative high school, validictorian, and the college is reminding me a little to much of the regular schools I left behind to receive a better more well rounded education.
thank you for your advice luna, I need to hear stuff like that on occassion...
:o

[mountain*luna]

:animal-sm keep truckin! ;)

Anytime you need a pep talk (I need them frequently) pm me, I love talking to people about that kind of stuff or trying to help them out!

[shaggy]

I went to a community college and it was better than the high school and university I attended.

It's good to work in a group after school sometimes. Also, talk with your instructors at the community college and let them know that you are interested in what they are teaching. It will make them feel better and they will likely do a better job if they know people care.

[mellowman05]

cant really say anything about community colleges cause i haven't attended one.
i am still in high school but in the fall i will be attending a private college and i understand that i will be able to recieve more attention there than i would be able to get at a community college or even a public college.


as far as your problem with homework i am exactly the same it seems like a complete waste of time because i learn all i need to know during the lecture usually. and i think that some college teachers just give homework to keep you busy because they only test on what they lecture in class anyway. but dont get discouraged just try your best to do your homework as quickly as possible then you will be able to have freedom with the remainder of your time.