Many of my students seem apathetic this semester. I suppose this could be a reflection on the quality of my teaching. While not completely ruling out that possibility, I shall note that other instructors feel that their students also just don't seem to care much this semester. Spring can distract students; I notice that every year. But there does seem to be more to it this year.

Here's an example. In my astronomy labs, I establish on the syllabus handed out the first day of class that 3 absences will result in failure in the course. I think it's fair - it amounts to missing 3 out of 12 experiments. So, this morning, a student walks in, and I basically walk him right back out the door telling him that he can't continue on in the class. I got no joy out of doing this. When this young man participated in lab, he did quite well. I asked him if he had an excuse for why he had missed so many labs, and his answer was, "Not a good excuse. Just difficulty getting out of bed." He seemed to take his dismissal in stride and after he inquired when the next offering of the course would be, he left. I think I ended up feeling worse about the whole experience than he did.

And to top it all off, two more people missed their third lab of the semester this morning in the same lab section - that means 3 out of 24 people will fail due to non-participation. I seldom have 1 out of 100 students fail for this same reason.

It is frustrating. So, now I ask, are any of you feeling apathetic this spring? Let me know by clicking the link below, if you're not too apathetic to do so.

Discuss Apathy