2009 was really about the technology for me. Increased use in the classroom by me and or the students. I also used more Web 2.0 platforms for personal and professional uses.

Winners (IMHO): Twitter, Apple (anything apple, but my faves are the iTouch and iPhone)
Losers: MySpace

I am sure that there are others to add to the list. But, this is my blog, so there you go. Other useful applications or software...most apps that I bought or downloaded from the app store on my iPhone. I also was really pleased with the iMovies that WS 104s put together. There were definitely a few stand out videos in each class.

Another loser and this is not so much about technology, but rather about social graces. I am always connected to email and others (people and applications) that I am on my phone lots more than I thought I would. Winner in this capacity--students. They know that they will hear back from me very quickly.

What will 2010 hold? Let me check another blog to see. Oh, Don Tapscott, what do you think?

Check out the Way Back Machine: http://www.archive.org/index.php. This is a great way to find old archived websites. For instance, you could do a search for a candidate who ran during the previous election. Lots of great things have been archived. This is perfect for a student conducting research about politics.

I think a post should be dedicated to an instructor's advice for a student who wants to review her/his assignment. Notice how I didn't say: challenge the grade.

As a student, it's important for you to find out how you can do better next time. You might also want to clarify a comment that your instructor made or verify what a word says (my handwriting is not neat).

Before you make the appointment or schedule a meeting you should do a few things. First, wait 24 hours after getting your assignment returned. You might have had a bad day and the last thing you want to see is something that is not an A (even if you deserved the mark). Then, review your assignment and the course syllabus. If you didn't follow directions, you need to "own" this.

Then, do not come into the meeting angry or ready to cry. Be ready to state your case and then, listen. The instructor will review the assignment with you and give you her/his opinion on the matter. Note that every instructor varies, as some will ask for you to provide a typed explanation with your questions and concerns regarding your graded assignment.

Peace~

Poli 413: You might find this interesting. This is video from NWSA 2009. Angela Davis spoke. These two videos are for educational use.
http://www.nwsa.org/conference/video.php

Cheers-
Prof. A

Winter is upon us. The sun is out, but the temperature is hovering at 2 degrees, which is pretty damn cold. I've been busy marking exams and papers and I'm seeing some consistent issues.

Directions?! Why offer directions or instructions? I'm sitting here listening to AC/DC and marking and realizing that students who earn A's read the syllabus and or the assignment guidelines. I am going to review my syllabi for Spring and see if I need to make due dates more prominent and other instructions.

Back to grading...back in black...

Big news for the Obama administration--more troops are being sent to Afghanistan. Who is surprised? Not me. I don't agree with this policy, but it was inevitable. What we need first is the establishment of non-corrupt government on the ground in Afghanistan, then the US will not have to be there.

I am an Obama supporter--have sipped the Kool Aid, but I can still offer constructive criticism about the nascent administration.

Here we are one day away from December 2009. This means a few things: 25 days until Christmas, finals are about to begin, and that we don't have enough time to do everything we need to do...

Time management is a common issue for most of us. I see it in my own life, but more importantly in my work life with the students. Their common lament is that they don't like papers being due around finals. Well, they have to pony up and realize that competing deadlines is part of work--school and outside in the so-called real world.

My best advice is to rotate the classes that you're studying for, so that one day you work and read for 60-90 minutes for one class and then move to the next. Also, I've had many students in my office and we've discussed their papers a month before they are due. This way one or two papers are out of the way and then they can get to the next.

A major issue or rub here is paid work. So many students are juggling paid work. And, we all know that doing more means that there is less time for studying and papers. This is probably why it takes 5.1 years for a student to graduate at our university. They are doing multiple things.

Good luck with the papers and finals!

Student expectations can drive educators crazy. We expect them to come to class on time, prepared, and ready to pay attention. Some of them come to class and expect to use the time to text, facebook, surf the net, and others to learn. One of the things that I've found over the years is that it is hard work trying to please them all.

Instead, my strategy is to try to get students to think critically about the material. This will vary with some courses, as some courses require more presenting and teaching the materials, first. This would be applicable with the American Politics class. Since I am teaching in Canada, 99% of the students are coming to the thick textbook and information without any previous coursework. This class requires more history, lots of information, and then we can get to the concepts more so in the latter half of the term or with the assignments (papers and final exam).

The best thing about teaching American Politics in Canada: the students do not have a strong, personal investment in the material. They really do enjoy talking intellectually about the material and do not feel challenged personally when they are learning about the material.

One challenging thing with teaching the course, in the US the course is a survey level course. Here, it is a 300 level course. The majority of the textbooks on the market are geared for the survey audience, so at times, the book feels like it is appropriate for a high school audience. Yes, but perhaps an AP American Politics course. Nonetheless, I think that American is probably in my top four or five favourite courses to teach.

I have a new favourite website www.mylifeisaverage.com. It is a hoot. It's similar to FML websites, but this is funny and more positive. Check it out. My fave for today is the pie and lil' brother gross out. Although, the super heroes ones from yesterday were pretty great. This is one of those websites that will leave you laughing. Great way to start your day.

Wowza. Hit a hot topic with my interviews with radio stations and papers about Twilight. Here is a reprint of the Times Colonist piece in today's Vancouver Sun. http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/Prof+sinks+teeth/2213925/story.html

My main point is not that I "hate" the series of books or that the books should not be read by tweens. (My poor 11 year old daughter!) Instead, my point is that we should look deeper at these books and the messages in the first two books. Thinking critically about nuances within any book or essay is not something new, as we have been doing this for centuries. UVIC will offer a round-table discussion about Twilight in January. I will post more as the final details are announced.

I am concerned with the internalized messages that some might take away from these books. I love reading and especially enjoy the Vampire genre. I've found the Night World series better in terms of their depictions of gender and the overall writing is stronger than the Meyer series or the PC Cast and Kristin Cast series. If I had any wish about the genre: continue to write about vampires Anne Rice. Your fans miss you!

I am going to Fall 2009 Graduation. The commencement (convocation here) ceremonies are one of the best parts of my job. I get to see the happy families and the thrilled students celebrate all the hard work and investments (personal and financial) and its closure. Congratulations to the Fall 2009 Political Science graduates!

The dust has not completely settled from the elections in the US yesterday. Many in Maine and the state of Washington are disappointed with the outcomes for same sex marriage rights. And, of course, others are celebrating the wins--primarily in the states of VA and NJ. Why?

Those two states will now have Republican Governors. It's actually the norm in VA for the party not in the White House to win the Gubernatorial election. Business as usual. This wasn't a huge election, as it is classified as an "off year" election and next year's November elections are "mid-term" elections. Nonetheless, the election results will be read in an interesting array of ways from pundits on the Left and Right.

Was this a mandate for the GOP? No, the "n" is too small and it's just too common to see the President's party get punished. And, we have to all admit that the economic crisis is not good for anyone, especially the party in control. That said, American Politics is always exciting to follow. I am really looking forward to my class today.

I'm thinking about reading right now. I know that students have various assignments to read and that reading is at times lost on them. However, reading can stimulate our brains to begin thinking about assignments and other projects. It's actually part of my daily diet---reading a little bit of a book, journal or even trade magazine. I get grumpy, when I don't make the time to read. I read for a living--in terms of the need to read scholarly books and articles. And, then I also assess student work through a close reading of their assignments.

This is just a quick reminder: crack open a book!

I am sitting here looking at the calendar and hoping that my students all realize that in just three short weeks their papers are due. OK, one class has a month, but a majority of the courses papers are due in three weeks. Some students have come by to chat, but the vast majority have not. I always get a bit concerned during this time of the term, as I wait for the sense of panic to set in for the students. Granted, I don't want that to happen, but inevitably it does.

Start outlining what you want to do right now. See your TA or professor ASAP. And, the basic stuff: go to class, take notes, keep up with the readings, and drum roll---begin the research for your papers.

I am thinking about study strategies in and outside of the classroom. I was walking around the large lecture class today and was struck by the number of students I saw taking detailed notes. This was then juxtaposed by an almost equal number of students sitting there texting, on FB and other sites in lieu of taking notes or paying attention.

Some studies have noted that the current generation in our classes are good at multi-tasking, but a recent spate of studies acknowledge that this is not the case. Based on what I see in the classroom and in my office, I have to offer that some students need to re-think multi-tasking. Staying in the moment is important. And, this needs to be countered with effective reading of the course materials and note-taking during class and from the reading of the course materials.

I have not been blogging as much--busy with teaching, writing, and now grading like crazy. I'm really trying to remember what it was like to be a first year student and in some respects be clueless about college work.

Yes, grading lots of first year work and managing my expectations with the reality of nice weather in September and lots of new things for students. It has been fun, refreshing, and a little frustrating. I'm sure that the students (all years) are currently really stressed. OK. Back to grading!

A few weeks ago, one of my colleagues asked the class if they had read the paper. One person raised her hand in class that morning. And, unfortunately it was me. Yes, in a class of 240 people the other professor had read the article that was referred to. I suppose reading the paper by 10:30 am on a TWF morning is early for most undergrads. And, that for most they would be scanning papers and blogs on line during lunch or in the evening.

Paying attention to the news is a germinal part of being involved in the democratic process and politics in a more grass roots sense. Keep abreast of current politics.

This post was solely going to be about study skills, but then I logged in and didn't see my tweets. Instead I had the tweets of some 20 year old gym rat. Go figure.

OK. I'm fielding lots of emails and queries about what to study, how to study, and other related points. My first response is always review the syllabus. Students should read the materials prior to lecture, attend lecture, and then review their notes and amend as needed. Your books should also get some wear and tear from your use of pens/highlighters and post it notes. This is your conditioning prior to the mid-term.

The other thing to keep in mind is that you must manage your time well. I suggest working in hour increments for each class, so that you can stay on top of your studies for all 3-5 classes that you're taking this term at UVIC. The other thing that you can do is go to your professor's office hours and ask questions. Also attend the tutorials and participate in the discussions.

We're at the end of week two at the Uni and lots of things are going on in the classroom, on campus, and around us. It looks like BC is in for economic belt tightening due to financial crisis. It also looks like the US Congress and the nation as a whole is continuing to hotly discuss HCR. All of this-Uni stuff and Am Pol is keeping me busy.

The first thing I would like to discuss actually combines a bit of all my courses and interests. Community building is important to our sense of belonging. I was speechless for a second when I walked into the extra credit opportunity for 103. Usually 5-10 of students show up for extra credit events, but more than 1/3 of the 103 students were there. Wow. For some students the extra point toward an assignment was key and I'm hopeful that for a few others they wanted to feel like part of the 103 (or Political Science) community.

Likewise, in the US right now the lines are drawn (multiple lines and not a mere binary) regarding HCR. The GOP is using some interesting performative tactics with marches, dancing, and other displays. While the Democrats appear to be in respond mode at this minute. This will continue to be something worth watching.

Week two, check.

I'm going to enjoy a sunny Victoria day...

For all the college students: This next week is important to your health. It's usually in about two weeks when so many of you begin to get those pesky Fall colds and the flu. This next week--come to class, eat right, get enough sleep, and try your best to enjoy your courses and this time in your life--in moderation.

That said, hopefully your first week went well an you're getting your bearings for which courses you'll like and the amount of work you'll have for this year. I've been really pleased with the three courses that I'm teaching this term. I've met lots of new students and see familiar faces peppered in all three courses.

I've been quite pleased with a fair number of students who I've chatted with via email or during office hours. Many of you seem keen about this new term. I appreciate the energy that the Fall term brings. I have mixed feelings about having to do certain things. I don't enjoy having to point out to students to pay attention or not distract their classmates with idle chatter during lecture, but sometimes this happens. Just like I have to remember that there are only a certain number of hours in the day.

With that in mind, the undergraduate advisors have decided that we will hold office hours to best serve students. My office hours for advising questions are: Mon and Tues 1:30-2:30. If this changes, I'll post on the blog as well as via Moodle or listserv email to each course. I do prefer to do advising face to face or via email. Phone calls don't work as well for me for two reasons: one they never are at a convenient time--I'm usually on my way to class, a meeting, an errand, or have a student in my office. Also, it's awkward, but I'm also having issues using the phone and typing or writing ever since my car accident.

All that said, have a great second week of the term.

The new term begins in two days. This last week flew by, but I do have a few comments. It's been great to see the proud parents and happy (apprehensive) first year students around campus and Tuscany Village.

Welcome back continuing students! I hope that we all have a great term and that few of us contract H1N1 or any other pesky colds/illnesses.

How to have a great term: attend class, take notes, keep up with the reading, spend time with your friends, eat right, get enough sleep and most of all enjoy the term. It's easy to get stressed out about what you have to do. I suggest that you break up your study time in increments of 60-90 minutes, so that you can keep a handle on the amount of reading that we require (expect) you to do in your courses. I also encourage you to get to know your profs and TA's--attend class, ask good questions, and go to office hours with any questions or just to check in.

I've had five students come by during the last week to introduce themselves to me. This is a first--prior to the term. I also had the opportunity to meet some parents and students around campus this week and even at my daughters' school. I heard "Political Science" and politely interjected and passed my business card on to one of the parents. (The UVIC student was in residence, but mom, dad, and sibling were at the Middle school.

What I look forward to: I saw lots of my former students convocate this last June, so there are lots of new students to meet. I look forward to the first day. I walk in excited and hit the ground running. Don't be surprised--after I review the syll, I will commence lecturing.

See you this week,
Prof. JA

New and continuing students--just a quick word about looking for classes. One of your best bets will be reviewing the syllabi and deciding what you want to take for almost four months. What do you need to take, want to take, and avoid. A good indicator after your degree requirements and talking to advising, is the syllabi. Do the readings look interesting? You should also talk to your friends. Nothing beats a "tried and tested" opinion. However, make sure you ask someone who is not only honest about the prof, but also honest about the effort s/he put into the class.

With that in mind, note that those various sites that give opinions or rates about instructors tend to field the students that hated the instructor or loved the class. There is usually no happy medium. To that end, I have avoided those sites for almost three years, but just took a quick look at a few pages. And, again, from the non-scientific results can attest to the haters/likers posting.

I'll quote from Abba, "Take a chance on me." My courses are not an easy ride--you will work for your mark. In my smaller courses (60 or less students), I will learn your name, I will encourage you to come to office hours, and you will enjoy the lecture/discussion style in the smaller courses. I've had a few students recently come to my office to introduce themselves--savvy move. Come by and say hi, and know that you are part of the UVIC community and part of a great department on campus--Political Science.

What do we have--10 or 11 days until the new term! Enjoy the last week or so of Summer!

I'm finishing up day 1 of a faculty workshops and really impressed with UVIC's focus on teaching. This is a great place for students who really want an opportunity to engage in great, scholarly endeavors with faculty, librarians and other staff on campus.

UVIC also offers students many different resources: writing centre, learning commons, counseling services (help/skill building workshops), resource centre for students with disabilities, and so much more. I'll stop cheerleading for UVIC.

The term starts in about 16 days and I've noticed lots more students around campus today. I had more advising questions today, as well. The air is cooler at night and in the morning--Fall is coming. This means a few things: long lines at the bookstore, cafe/bibliocafe on campus, as well as at the advising centre.

Plan accordingly and try to get to the bookstore this week or the start of next week to get your books. You should have a nice mix of used books to choose from early on for most of your courses. Unfortunately, I've adopted some books hot off the press, so used copies won't be as prevalent for my three courses: 103, 313A and 335. There should be some used _Approaching Democracy_ textbooks, though.

The other thing that students should think about is being prepared to ease into the new term seamlessly--attend your courses and tutorials and by all means introduce yourself to your professors. This might mean that you come by office hours with a question or just a quick hello.

Welcome to the new term! This is the first of a series of posts about the Fall 09 term.

This blog update is for the Poli 103 people. The Moodle site for the course looks great. The publisher uploaded expanded case studies, flashcards (you can upload to your iPod), sample m/c test questions, summaries, key thinkers (no women-we'll chat about that), as well as other useful tools. Thanks to Oxford University Press and a great text book, and staff support. Our book is Introduction to Politics by Robert Garner, Peter Ferdinand and Stephanie Lawson. We also have other readings, that you can find on the course syllabus.

I have a sense of excitement for the impending term.

I'm sitting her catching up with my usual spate of political blogs and am again struck by how powerful misinformation is. I'm referring to the "death panels" and how according to some polls half or nearly half of most Americans believe the misinformation and outright lies. Here is a link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/19/poll-nearly-half-of-ameri_n_263065.html

A quick shout out to Canadians, this is not to say that Canadians or any other citizens of other countries are immune to misinformation. I am not casting aspersions on Americans and even as an American, I can occasionally be introspective!

On a related note, the town halls this month have been a veritable circus--free speech in action, yes, but healthy democracy? We'll definitely chat about that in 313A next month. I'll end noting that current political events really makes teaching 313A engaging. Hope to see you (UVIC students) in the class. In 103 Democracy is the main topic of examination.

And, have no fear, based on the high enrollments and equally high wait list, I will be teaching the course during the Summer 2010. The term will be May/June--most likely the three days a week session: Mon, Tues, Thurs at two hours each day.

Just finished catching up on the NYT and was really sad to read about the flood of people in my home region (Southern Calif) trying to get free health care. I know that the health care in my new home (Canada) isn't perfect, but here health care seems like something that almost everyone has access to. I realize some folks won't get all they need. And, I waited more than 9 months for surgery...

Health care is controversial in the US due to the various polarizing ideals about it. Is h/c a right or privilege that you must pay for? Should a democracy ensure that people have access to h/c? If you have a moment, look at the major American political parties and their views about h/c.

Cheers-

We have 30 days until the new term begins at UVIC. Faculty, staff, and students need to enjoy these last, precious 30 days before we resume another fun-filled term at UVIC.

I for one, am getting ready for Spring 2010. I'm prepping Poli 413: Feminist Political Thought and allegedly working on my own publications. I say allegedly, as I keep on getting hampered by the consequences from a recent car accident.

I'm also easily distracted by current politics and pop culture. Quite the combination. A perfect new dramedy would be about vampire politicians. ;)

Back to the grind!

Welcome to my blog about my courses, politics, and popular culture.