In the two whole psych classes that I have taught, I tried to cover about 15
pages in 50 minutes. So that is about 45 pages per week for the students as
far as the textbook is concerned. I have not assigned much more than that.
In my Minorities class, where the students have complained the most, I
assigned two "readings" per class, which might be 12-18 pages from a
less-than-average sized textbook. I have asked them to go to the net to find
relevant material to share in class also. I am not sure that this group
could read a journal article and be able to critique it. I am not being
sarcastic, either. They have their first exam (essay) Monday and I am
apprehensive about how they are going to do on it.
I know that the head of the dept. said that he has had to lower his
expectations over the years. I decided to draw the line at lowering my
writing standards. However, I am taking more time to explain concepts and
give lots of examples. Much more than I would have expected.
Molly Straight, MA
Adjunct Lecturer of Psychology
Alderson-Broaddus College
Phillippi, WV
