Why are College Students so Ill Prepared?

How does a quarter to a third of students achieve "mostly A's" when they rarely do their homework and assignments due for class? The answer lies in the fact they can get away with this. When you do a homework assignment does your teacher ask you to turn it in or connect it to part of your overall grade? Rarely. They simply say this is for your benefit and it will hurt you if you do not do the assignment or reading. This does not encourage but does not enforce the principles students built their high school and middle school years on. Do your assignments, receive credit and boost your grade. Why would a student getting adjusted to college or enjoying the last year they have as a college student do work that does not count against them? There is no reward system in college. Whether you do your assignments or not does not count for you but does not count against you. In turn, this counters less studying and less effort the student needs to put in to get those grades that are at least satisfactory, if not A's.

So, the real question is how can not only faculty but students become inspired to work harder, study longer and do those assignments? I believe the answer lies in the teachers curriculum. If the teacher gives "rewards" or grades for those assignments or readings, the student will be more likely to come to class prepared with their assignment done. If the teacher connects those assignments to tests, quizzes or projects that count for a large part of their grade, the student will be more likely to study their material for the amount of time needed. Instead of just discussions being held; students need to be tested on the material they are supposed to have completed. Students choose their own destiny and their grades should reflect the work in which they have done.

Dead Man Walking

Dead Man Walking was a moving theatre performance that only reinforced my opinion that the death penalty was wrong. One of the most enjoyable aspects of this performance was that the play looked at all sides which referred to the emotions and aspects of the death penalty. It reached out to all of those who were directly and indirectly affected by the death penalty. It showed emotions on all side of the spectrum, from anger to hurt and confusion. This play had in depth understanding of the death penalty and the ways in which it affected people in society. In essence this play has showed me how anyone invovled with the accused and the victim of the accused is affected. It showed how the death penalty still hurt people after death; even though it was supposed to bring relief.

It is extremely important that rarely discussed but prevalent issues such as the death penalty are brought into course acitivites and assignments. It is necessary that these sensitive issues are discussed in a challanging way that cause students and even faculty to look at their previous opinions and stance on the topics. Not only will this make for a better educated youth of America but leave room for intelligent debate.