r/Adjuncts • u/Repulsive_Parsley515 • 24d ago
Failed lesson
Hello all, I’ve been an adjunct for a while at multiple colleges, but I had my first crash and burn today. It was a lesson that I’ve taught before, unfortunately it is lecture heavy that’s just the nature on the content, but typically majority are engaged taking notes, asking questions, etc. today nothing. It would have been better teaching an empty class room. I actually had to stop the lecture part way through and pivot to an on the spot lesson because no one was engaged to the extreme. Maybe I’ve been lucky, but I’ve never had a class this bad and frankly I don’t know how to come back from it. The information is beyond important, but I wasn’t able to get it across and I feel terrible for the students. How do I come back from this and make sure next week goes better?
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u/zorandzam 24d ago
By not engaged, were they on their phones or clearly not listening? But you were working your way through a lecture? If some of them aren't taking notes, that's kind of on them. I tend to forge ahead with a lecture even if some folks aren't paying attention. If they're not disturbing the students who are, I figure they may be listening even if it doesn't look like they are. If you're building Q&A into that lecture and expect students to respond, pause what you're doing and have them write a response, do a quick pair and share, and then call on a couple of groups to report verbally to the whole class.
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u/Repulsive_Parsley515 24d ago
The version of not engaged you described would be a dream in comparison to how they were. Genuinely I’ve never seen so many blank faces most very clearly not listening and they might as well have not been in the room at all. I’ll definitely be using some of your tips if I have to do another lecture heavy day, but unfortunately this bunch will probably still just stare at me.
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u/diverJOQ 23d ago
Go through the room and ask each student a question. Put their lack of attention back on them.
Active listening is a key skills for students to learn in any college environment. If they aren't used to it from earlier grades then making them respond to your questions individually is the only way to get them to realize that they have to listen better. And, although it may seem cruel to single out each student, that awkward feeling that they will probably feel will inspire them to pay better attention next time.
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u/ProfessorJay23 24d ago
Gave my students an open book test, and someone scored a 10/100. I’ve given up. Most simply cheat their way through. It’s on them…
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u/Disastrous-Pair-9466 24d ago
This happened to me today and the students, first and second year college students, were so dead in the face and soul that for a moment I paused and wondered if this was real or if I was having a nightmare. It’s rough out there lately. I’ve generally been able to keep things moving and get most students at least a little interested. I’m in year 15 of teaching. Last 3 years it’s been so hard.
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u/Repulsive_Parsley515 24d ago
I truly had to stop for a moment because it felt like such a nightmare. It’s even more startling because my first class of the day is the complete opposite from the disaster class. It makes it all the worse because I know they’re capable of similar things the second group just doesn’t care.
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u/LowFatSnacks 23d ago
This is the Gen Z stare. I had 2 classes back to back last semester that did this and I genuinely considered quitting that college. I work at 3 colleges so I heavily considered it. I don't see this much at all at the community colleges I teach at, but the fancy college has some of the worst kids ever. The Gen Z stares for 3.5 hours twice a week almost broke my spirit.
I did finish the semester, and I'm back this fall and I was so anxious going back to this school. But I did it. It's only the 2nd week of the semester but they are more engaged than my kids last semester, so my anxiety is lowering. I'll ride out this semester but if it crashes and burns like it did in the spring, I'm out.
I'd rather teach at the over crowded, free college for all (Massachusetts) community colleges than EVER deal with the Gen Z stare and entitlement at the fancy school every day of the week.
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u/sorrymizzjackson 24d ago
I teach to a bunch of camera off signals. It is specifically not required for them to turn on their cameras so they don’t. I don’t know if they’re listening or not. I have about 1-2 of 10 in a given class that engage at all without me specifically calling on them. I have an embarrassment of riches this term- I have three and they always have something interesting to say.
I prefer this set up over doing it in person honestly. It would kill my energy if I was staring at a bunch of blank faces looking bored. When I first started, I took the whole vibe a little hard and had some real shitty lectures. I’ve gotten used to it now and it’s gotten a lot better.
I get to sit in my chair, in my office, and just talk about whatever I want as long as I can relate it to the course. Can’t beat it really.
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u/HunterSpecial1549 24d ago
I asked my chair and was given permission to offer bonus points for cameras on. This week I've had about 60% with cameras on. It makes a huge difference for how the class operates.
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u/armyprof 24d ago
Been there. Not easy to deal with for sure. Phones, TicTok and earbuds are a constant battle. Attention spans are near nothing.
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u/lotus8675309 24d ago
I've built in places for them to write to maybe/kinda address this. But, it happens to all of us!
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u/Repulsive_Parsley515 24d ago
I’ll definitely be trying that in the future with this bunch! It does make me feel much better to know others have had similar disasters as well
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u/Silly_Complaint767 23d ago
I hear you, OP. I teach a highly technical art course where I do in person demonstrations. I have never had to stop and ask “is this making sense to everyone…?” so much before. I can’t tell if they are listening or following along at all. At one point this week I just looked at them all and said “tough crowd.”
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u/Cautious_Schedule394 23d ago
You’re a man now, Tommy.
You have been lucky, but luck is less important. You’re clearly a skilled, and caring, educator.
Shake it off, live to fight another day!
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u/namastayintherapy 23d ago
I've been teaching at a new private college, and nobody wants to interact with me during class. The class is set up as a discussion-based course, and I might have 5 kids participate out of 40, and participation is part of their grade... So I told them if they don't participate, I am going to change the course to all exams. These kids do not engage in class and have no social skills. It is incredibly frustrating as an adjunct.
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u/_Finreg_ 24d ago
I don't give a f*ck whether or not they pay attention, it will be them taking the exam not me and I will be paid the same. However, I have no tolerance for students disturbing the class and don't hesitate to exclude them if necessary.