This Sunday I had dinner at my psychology professor's house. She invited the whole class of 50 students to come over at 6:30pm to have dinner. She made chili, chile con queso, and cookies. Only 10 students showed up, but we got to sit outside on her back porch, eat chili, and talk to her about whatever we wanted. At first, we all felt extremely awkward about the whole situation. You should have seen everybody waiting for food. Nobody wanted to grab food first, so I decided to take the plunge. And, of course, that's after I tripped in my heels while heading towards the food. But, actually, it was so much fun. We talked to my professor about our psychology class, her love for bugs, and even our own pets. It was such a great way to sit down informally with some of my classmates and professor and just chat about everyday things that we experience.
I know this all sounds ridiculous and crazy, but I hope every college student gets to experience what I did on Sunday. SMU is always trying to break the barrier between the students and faculty. The school wants us to see our professors as not only educators but as normal people. I'd have to say that having dinner at your professor's house is the best way to see your professor as a normal person.
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Reading this after reading Mike Rose's essay where he described the Saturday barbeques his English professor had, I wondered why so few students took advantage of this professor's kind invitation. I'm glad you went. But what do you (Blondie and others who may read this) think about those who did not go? Shyness? Fear of revealing poor social skills? Or just lack of interest in getting to know a professor better? I remember going to my Victorian Literature professor's house when I was an undergraduate. And one poetry professor had the class meet at his house instead of at school. It made a very relaxed conversation, with everyone feeling more free to join in.
The 10 students who went to the dinner were definitely the people who sit in the first 2 rows and actually contribute in class. I think the students who didn't show up were the ones who aren't interested in the class. People are always coming in late, which shows complete lack of respect. Even Hall and Hall mentioned the story of Henry and Arthur, where Henry arrived late to their 11:00 appointment. Henry didn't think Arthur's time was precious. I think students coming late to class show that same lack of respect to our professors. These are the students who chose not to come to dinner. So I don't think it's shyness or fear, it's just a lack of interest.
I agree with blondie that those who showed up were the students who actually took interest in the class or maybe those that just like the teacher. As for those that didn't show up, I'm guessing the majority of them just didn't care and maybe some felt like it would have been an awkward situation. None of my professors have offered to have the class over to dinner, but I would hope in the future I will have some that do.
I hope next semester I have a professor who does this. I only really know 2 professors at SMU and I don't have any classes with them but I go to their house all the time. I wish more professors would take interest in their students the way your professor did. Maybe next time more students will take interest in the professor as well.
I hope my professors do that for me! Sometimes it could be intimidating expressing your opinions in class especially if you don't either have a close relationship with your teacher or classmates. So I feel if every professor did this it would help them connect more with their students and eventually the students would feel more comfortable and contribute the classroom discussions
I think that is a neat experience and very kind of your professor to extend an invitation to his class like that. What I like about SMU is that you really get to know your professors. I am sorry that only 10 of the 50 students showed up. A home cooked meal sounds delicious.
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