I really don't know how to start this post. But my purpose in writing this one is to voice out what I was supposed to tell my Philosophy 18 instructor.
First and foremost, I viewed his action too unprofessional. Here how it started:
I was absent by the time he gave our class an assignment – to make a reflection paper. But as a trying hard to become a responsible student, I asked my classmates for an update regarding the topics previously discussed. I also asked them what the following lesson would be and they just answered me, "may assignment, reflection paper." "Reflection saan?" , I asked again. "Reflection sa subject." was the answer. I was disoriented about the guidelines my classmates didn't inform me of. So, I presumed it was like the one we made last semester.
Before starting mine, I thought of the vague lectures delivered in the class and I decided to include them in my reflection paper. And mind you, when we say reflection paper, it is somewhat personal and it is up to us what to talk about in there. Another one I considered in composing my work is that, in the university, we (students) are given the right to speak our minds; since class sessions aren't allotted for it, I presumed that the reflection paper could be an alternative for me to reveal what bugs me.
And mind you again, I couldn't always muster up enough courage to talk to my professor face-to-face, that's why I did my reflection paper as a medium to let him know all these "shits".
Then in our class two hours back, he cleared himself. As in he really explained himself. And guess what he told me? " I am sorry but I failed you!" Isn't it too unprofessional thing to do for instructors like him? Though he didn't directly talk to me, I am very particular of how he sounded – and all those "shits" he muttered in the class were for me. Now, who agrees he didn't take the case personally?
Before I submitted my work, I even asked some friends if it looked okay and they all approved except for one who told me, "Wag mu na lang masyadong kontrahin, baka ibagsak ka pa."
One of my options for now is to find time and manage to face him and clear myself too. He can fail me, right? But in the basis of my performance not because of the damned thing that made him feel bitter. Agree?
To give you an idea of the reflection paper I made, here's one of the lines I scribbled:
"...is rather catholic in nature."
But you know what he exclaimed in the class? He Simply said that, what he teaches us aren't PURELY catholic. (okay, okay. It was all my mistake)
I was near to tears by then. Somehow, I handled my emotions and managed to hide it for a while. As I stepped out of the D104 room, I could no longer handle the pressure and let my tears fall.
Eto lamang po ang drama ko ngayong araw.
Eto lamang po ang drama ko ngayong araw.
4 comments:
Hmmm... it does take some level of experience to be articulate enough in dealing with people 'in authority" like in this case, your professor.
It would've been better though if I could actually read your piece, so that I would pretty much have an idea on the content of your paper.
In my honest opinion, you should've probably told this professor, at least halfway through the semester that the lessons are "vague" to you (assuming you do attend and pay attention to the lectures at least). It would be crying over spilled milk that over the time wasted and all, and you never learned anything. Classes are supposed to be for your benefit. He gets paid nonetheless.
Speaking your mind doesn't have to be a total attack towards a person. You see, you have to delineate the action from the person. For example, I don't like what you do, isn't synonymous with I hate you. Makes sense?
It is still rather unclear to me whether it is totally justifiable that he failed you for the subject because of a single paper. Several things needs to be taken into consideration like; attendance, quizzes, recitation, projects, etc etc etc.
You can always dispute this with the subject head or with the dean later on.
Sooner, you have to speak your mind. You have to "muster" that strength and stand up for yourself
well, i always have in mind to "prove him wrong" (at least when i think his explanations aren't agreeable) but for INC members like me who studies in a catholic school, it isn't that easy since what's right for me couldn't be right for other religions. in fact, i often receive a round of applause from my classmates during recitations (isn't it a thing to talk big?).i appreciate your opinion though. what really wrong with all his statements is that, "i am not trying to convince you with my line of reasoning" said he. what then is the essence of teaching philosophy if in the very first place, he gives us more and more questions? and another one, i haven't closed my mind yet as he thinks for every after class discussions, i list down questions about the subjects he just delivered and find answers from INC member like me.
Hmmm... I graduated from UST and during our Philosophy class, the theories and topics aren't more in favor or biased to any religious sect at all. We have students from various groups and even Muslims too! I'm not sure how it was presented to you but, for you being INC isn't supposed to be an issue.
The goal of the class is not to proselytize, but for you, rather to appreciate things in another light or perspective, not necessarily demolishing or attacking whatever INC principles you may hold.
ahaha..the subject is philosophy 18 and it is a religion subject.. I really can't get the point of the topics discussed in the classroom, and if you only heard all his explanations when i questioned him, you might understand me..:)
one thing more, it's true that i don't agree with many of the subjects delivered but i didn't say i can't appreciate the other views of nthe course..:)
Post a Comment