What is going on with students right now?
Can some young people translate what I'm seeing from a different perspective?
This semester, more than any semester in my experience, has been challenging when it comes to students. Generally, I enjoy students and their banter. I like when they get a little rowdy as long as they are being kind. But this semester, I am so frustrated!
My introductory courses are rolling on square wheels. None of the classes are fun. Students are either absent, making excuses for why they were absent, or staring off into space. When I ask a question, I get blank stares most of the time. When I give them directions, they act like they have no idea they were given directions just minutes before. This of course is not every single student, but the majority.
What is going on? Is it just the state of the world? Is it a coincidence with who I have enrolled this semester? Are students becoming less resilient? I leave a particular class EVERY time feeling anxious and just OVER it. This is not normal for me. Are there any young people out there who can say they've had a different experience in a college classroom? I'm curious if 18-19 yr olds think this is the norm.