TEACHSOC: Re: Fw: TEACHSOC: An e-mail from a student...

[Sarah Murray]

You are talking about an elite few that can capitalize on emerging trends because they are brilliant to begin with.  I am sure that the average student at a state university will not find too many doors opening either because of, or even in spite of, ignorance of punctuation and grammar and, especially, possessing a weak vocabulary. In my hometown paper the other day, a "lifestyle" article aimed at adult readers suggested some "difficult" vocabulary words that might help people in the business arena, words like ramification, formidable, and lucid.  The author of the article used some of the words in sentences; all of the applications were slightly off enough to be incorrect, which, of course, was unintended.  The article positioned these vocabulary words as difficult, intimidating and taking a lot of effort to learn.  Do you think people who are unfamiliar with these kinds of words as adults will go very far?  Not just in terms of making money, but in terms of being able to make a point effectively and contribute to the kind of  world-changing dialogue we need so desperately right now?   ----- Original Message ----- From: Del Thomas Ph D To: Sarah Murray Cc: teachsoc@googlegroups.com Sent: Friday, May 19, 2006 11:39 PM Subject: Re: TEACHSOC: Fw: TEACHSOC: An e-mail from a student... In part we are witnessing the evolution of language.  Our reaction to innovation is almost always to consider it inappropriate.  Some will reveal their ignorance and say you will never make it to the board rooms of America with that kind of speech.   Consider boardroom language..... This thread reminds me that one of my son's parents kept telling him, you'll never amount to anything playing those games.  He has already won an Emmy....   Can you say Age of Empires.... Xbox. Del Sarah Murray wrote:   ----- Original Message ----- From: Sarah Murray To: Michael Klausner Sent: Friday, May 19, 2006 12:41 PM Subject: Re: TEACHSOC: An e-mail from a student... My belief is that this is not appropriate communication under any circumstances, with any living creature, or inanimate object for that matter.  I would tell the student that his/her future success academically, professionally and interpersonally is very much contingent on effective communication, and that you could refer him/her to resources that would help in that vein (books, on-campus services, your re-writing of the e-mail, anything.). Be supportive, concerned, heart felt -- but let the student know that continuing to communicate in that style would be detrimental to his/her future in every way.  You are worried -- not judgmental. ----- Original Message ----- From: Michael Klausner To: teachsoc@googlegroups.com Sent: Friday, May 19, 2006 12:14 PM Subject: TEACHSOC: An e-mail from a student... I received this e-mail from a student who was in my class last term. I replied that the horrendous punctuation, grammar, spelling was not appropriate when communicating with anyone except friends, perhaps. Even then, it would not be appropriate. Should I have been “harder”, “easier” on him? Comments welcome you were right when u said u wanted to see me again ahaha.. i was wonderign when ur classes were for fall semester so i can see if i can retake ur class.. get back to me when you can                                          sincerly,