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2010 Spring
Published in 2009, Cox’s book, The College Fear Factor, draws upon extensive qualitative research in community college classrooms to explore student expectations of college, faculty aspirations for their students, and the divide that often exists between the two groups. Cox draws upon interviews with students and faculty, as well as many hours of classroom observation, to understand how student behaviors, such as not handing in assignments, align with, and at times contradict, their educational aspirations. She explores how different pedagogical approaches on the part of faculty can serve to promote or deter student learning and success. We will use Cox’s research as a springboard to examine our own educational practices, challenges, and dilemmas.
Throughout the semester, we had a number of provocative and engaging converastions concerning the degree to which “fear” is a sufficient explanation for students’ behaviors and resistance to submitting written work. While we agreed that Cox’s notion of fear is one factor contributing to students’ behaviors, we also agreed that a richer analysis would include issues connected with race, gender, class, and injustice. We discussed the many ways in which Cox’s observations and reflections mirrored our own and proposed strategies for supporting our students, while requiring them to take responsibility for “showing up” and completing course requirements. Overall, group members reflected a positive experience within the reading group and especially appreciated the opportunity to get together and reflect with colleagues. We are currently communicating via email to select a book for next semester that goes beyond students as “fearful” and contends with students’ choices and the larger contexts of their lived experiences within the college. We also plan to invite students to join a discussion next semester.
These are the questions we used to our three meetings during the Spring 2010 semester:
