So, I was in the student computer lab helping a student with a numerical calculation. I couldn't help notice the student next to me was registering for classes. Here is here strategy:
- Look at required courses.
- Check available classes.
- Check ratemyprofessor.com.
- Re-check available classes.
- Repeat.
So? What is wrong with this? I see a couple of problems. First is the reliability of ratemyprofessor (RMP). I have not looked at my ratings on this site in a long long time, but I am sure they are not accurate. My favorite RMP comment: Dr. Allain teaches astronomy 101 like it was a 400 level physics course. HA! That is so funny. There is essentially no math in my astro 101. I think RMP comments are biased towards disgruntled students. I could be wrong.
Second, I think a lot of students are looking for "easy" instructors. Is this a good idea? If you think the goal of college is to get good grades, I guess it is a good idea. However, I like to think of college as a time of academic growth. If this is true, finding an easy instructor would be like finding an easy trainer at the gym.
I guess this is why students explode in anger when (for scheduling reasons) we change the faculty teaching the course.
