TURES
Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007
FEATURES | 9
www.theloquitur.com
Teachers give tips for success JESSICA HOLEVA
JH734@CABRINI.EDU STAFF WRITER BRITTANY LAVIN BLL722@CABRNI.EDU FEATURES EDITOR
What does it take to excel in class and stay in the lead throughout the semester? Cabrini’s professors, the people that decide the academic fate of the campus, gave their input on what it takes to win the race in the thirst for knowledge. Rolling out of bed at 8:15 a.m. after an unbelievably crazy night only to be a mere zombie in class is not the best way to start off. It’s not just about skating by, Professors unanimously agree. Dr. Nancy Watterson, assistant professor of English, feels it is about being prepared. Take the initiative. This can be done by taking notes, participating in class and wonder of wonders, doing the homework. “Read ahead!” Dr. Melissa Terlecki, assistant
professor of psychology, said. “It’s the easiest thing to do and the last thing any student does.” Dr. Joseph Romano, professor of philosophy, doesn’t want his classes to seem like he’s performing a monologue. “It’s important for the students to join in and make a contribution to the discussion,” Romano said. “Students should have an active investment in the class,” Dr. Elinor Brody, professor of social work, said. A person can only get out of a class what they put into it. This takes time and effort, but it can be done without sinking back into summer slack-mode. Professors like Watterson feel it is important to keep up the stamina. College isn’t like high school. Teachers are not going to remind students when something is due and hound them for it until they turn it in. One of the college perks is scheduling. Students are able to schedule school,
Know your professor
JILLIAN SMITH/PERSPECTIVES EDITOR
Cabrini’s professors all agree that the best way for students to get ahead is to actively participate in class.
work and play. Students should take the time they set for themselves and schedule in some homework and studying. Dr. Paul Wright, assistant professor of English, realizes the schedule of life isn’t as picture perfect as it looks in a day-to-day planner.
SEK723@CABRINI.EDU STAFF WRITER
CHRIS CAMPELLONE STAFF WRITER
Stephen Vallette, a math professor from Abington, Pa., is one of the new faces. Vallette earned a bachelor’s in Bible and piano at Philadelphia Biblical University and then later went on to receive his master’s in education from Arcadia University and Villanova University. Q: How do you like Cabrini so far? A: “I like it a lot. The campus is very open, meaning that I could walk up to anyone and ask them a question. Everyone is very approachable.” Q: Why did you choose to teach math? A: “It was a surprise to me actually. It started out as a summer job, teaching substitute math at an alternative school forcing me to go back to school.” Q: What is your favorite book? A: “The Name of the Rose” by Umberto Eco. It’s an Italian mystery novel.” Q: Do you have a personal mantra? A: “To try to convince people to explore what they are not used to, this especially applies to math.” Q: What is your favorite food? A: “I enjoy mostly Mediterranean and Lebanese food, but I could never turn down a hot and sour Chinese soup. I just love spicy foods.” Q: What are your plans for the future? A: “It depends on Cabrini’s needs I would love to continue at Cabrini or at least at the college level.” Q: Is there anything you would like the students at Cabrini to know about you? A: “I am really glad to come here and get a great idea about how to teach at the undergraduate level and I also enjoy learning more about Cabrini.”
all of these tips have failed to get students ahead of the game; ask for help! Any professor on campus would rather a student seek help instead of sitting there completely clueless. They are more than willing to help, but they have to be met half way.
“Get to know your professors,” Dr. David Dunbar, associate professor of biology, said. “Especially if you’re struggling in their class!” “Take time to absorb the material and enjoy it,” Wright said.
How to address with respect; professors and students tell all SHANNON KEOUGH
CLC726@CABRINI.EDU
Students can easily figure out when it’s “crunch time” such as finals week, and when there is time for a little Playstation. Wright also said that studying their syllabi is a good indicator of how busy a student will be and when. If by some misfortune
Teachers often have many titles. They can be called by their first name, last name, Mr., Mrs., doctor or professor. Students and teachers at Cabrini generally have the same idea of how a teacher should be addressed. However, some are less traditional than others. Dr. Dawn Middleton, professor of education, strictly goes by “doctor” because she spent 16 years in college with only one summer semester off , believing she now deserves her prestigious title. Dr. Seth Frechie, associate professor of English, also insists on being called “doctor” because he says, “I’m proud of my Ph.D. and I believe it is an appropriate sign of respect.” Maria Anthony, a sophomore elementary and special education major, calls her teachers by their preference because when she begins to teach she wants students to respect her title as well. Dr. Cynthia Halpern, professor of romance languages, goes by “doctor” or “senora,” and she thinks it would be odd if her students called her by her first name. However, she also says that this depends on
her relationship with the student and after graduation it could be appropriate. Some students feel more comfortable calling their teacher “doctor,” whereas others do it out of respect. Jessica Fee, a junior early
being addressed by her first name. She explains that, “by letting my students call me by my first name, I treat them like adults.” Once DeBlasis receives her doctorate,
“” “I’m proud of my Ph.D. and I believe it is an appropriate sign of respect.” -Dr. Seth Frechie
childhood and elementary education major, said that teachers are “too important for first names.” Bill Monahan, a sophomore English and communication major, calls his teachers “professor” because not every teacher is a doctor. College professors “aren’t just teachers,” Monahan said. Amy DeBlasis, instructor of English, on the other hand, prefers
she will insist on being called Dr. DeBlasis. Dr. J.P. Girard, professor of history and political science, said most of his students call him Dr. Girard, but the students in his major refer to him as “Doc.” George Post, a senior English and communication major, said that some of his teachers want to be called by their first name. He
said it depends on the teacher and he doesn’t think it has to do with what grade a student is in. Cathy Yungmann, associate professor of communications, says that most of her classes consist of juniors and seniors and she prefe rs they call her by her first name because they usually work in small informal groups. She does not mind if other students refer to her as Cathy because, “it’s easier to remember.” Mike Holland, a sophomore finance major, will call his teachers whatever they introduce themselves as. Holland believes that if a teacher takes the time to find out what a student wants to be called, the student should do the same. “You should call them doctor because they deserve it with how much school they went through,” Holland said. Students at Cabrini refer to their teachers differently, this is based on their teachers preference, comfort level or respect. Loquitur welcomes your comments on this story. Please send your comments to: Loquitur@googlegroups. com. The editors will review your comments each week and make corrections if warranted.