Three decades ago, when I set out to become a college teacher in the field of English Literature, I did not ever anticipate doing what I am doing today--lecturing to a "Jumbo" class of 120 students. Granted, I was perfectly used to the lecturing system in higher education (my undergraduate classes in England consisted of weekly lectures on "The Great Books" followed by cozy tutorials with intimidating professors who seemed more interested in establishing international academic reputations rather than discussing D.H. Lawrence or Jane Austen with nervous teenagers). However, it's safe to say that since coming to the U.S. to further my education, and since deciding to pursue English Literature as a field to research and teach in, I always thought that small classroom discussions were the only serious option for a high quality engagement with the purpose and passion of literature.
Why the change of heart, then? How come I now find myself standing at the front of a large auditorium speaking into a microphone behind an imposing lectern, watched by an audience whose names I have failed to commit to memory?
One obvious answer is: economics. Higher education in California is under the same penny-pinching pressure as any other state in the U.S. (and any other country in the world, as far as I can tell). Our budgets have shrunk, or at best remained static, while our student numbers have increased gradually in recent years. In the Department of English, here at Chico State, the mandate is quite simple: teach more students, more cost-effectively.
Which begs the second answer: technology. After all, the administration has paid a lot of money to invest in a technology infrastructure that, like most technologies, is meant to magically improve performance and quality of life. "Let's create a Smart Classroom," the administrative thinking goes, "and then we can pack more students into a learning environment that is no longer restricted to the physical limits of a four-walled room. The cyber-classroom is limitless!!" Yes, it's an irresistible promise.
The old-fashioned humanist in me was always sceptical of any type of technology-driven teaching practice. That is, until this current semester. The fact is, I answered the call of my administration: I acknowledged the logic of their economic argument and expressed a willingness to experiment with online teaching tools. I caved in to "The Jumbo Offer." That is why you find me on a Tuesday and Thursday morning standing in front of 120 students in a huge theater, poring over Powerpoint slides and showing the occasional YouTube video, rather than sitting in a relaxed circle of 25 students having a democratic discussion about Hamlet's predicament or Moby Dick's whiteness.
Ironically, it has been a powerful experience. The Powerpoint slides have enabled me to present more ideas for writing prompts than would ordinarily come up in spontaneous classroom discussion, the YouTube videos have allowed me to show strong visual endorsements of the material that we are reading, and another technological innovation (the Blog) has encouraged students to create literary voices and personas that seem to have stretched their intellects (and, yes, in some cases their patience also!).
OK, it's not a utopian experience. I am not getting carried away with "The Jumbo Success Story." There are still many wrinkles and shortcomings to work out. But I am pleasantly surprised at the level of energy and commitment that can come out of a "Jumbo" despite its seemingly inhumane size.
So, to my students in English 353--thanks for hanging with me during our pilot semester. I hope the journey has been entertaining and informative for you.
27 comments on Mumbo Jumbo
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It is funny; I also find myself wondering who everyone is in class- versus their 'cyber-identities' that we come to know so intimately!
[THUMBUP]
Another thing to think about is the psychology behind internet. Have you ever heard the term 'e-thug'? It's pretty funny actually. It is somebody acting tough over the internet. Anyway, the point is that the internet allows people to say things they would say in person... which brings out their true unadulterated thoughts - a great thing as long as they don't 'e-thug' it!!
Thanks for a great semester.
I have read this article many times, not commenting until now. You are, and were, a great teacher of this class. Your lectures were interesting, and the YouTube content was cool. The only downside with the class was the 8:00am part. Yes, this was a Jumbo class, but you pulled it off. At times there may have been a hitch in the road, however, you always seemed to find a way around it. I have had other jumbo classes, and you were by far one of the best.
I wish you much success with this class in the future. I also hope your future students realize the asset they have in front of them. Have a wonderful Spring Semester!
-AR
But--yes--it requires quite a lot of discipline--and stamina!!
[COOL]