University of the Cumberlands Student Newspaper Fall 2023
Issue 3
October 25, 2023 Inside
Staff Sports Entertainment & Lifestyle
A2 A3 A4
News
Lifestyle
Volleyball
Time Management
PAGE A3
PAGE A4
Hoco Hoedown
PHOTOS BY BRITTANY SMITH
Fall Nights in the Burg
BY: ALLY KENNEDY STAFF WRITER
At this point in the year, many organizations have hosted various fun and engaging events. The most recent one, however, was the Homecoming Hoedown hosted by the Student Government Association on Monday, October 10. Although the main event was the hoedown, there were also many other activities to take part in if dancing did not seem appealing. Among the various other activities were music, square dancing, pumpkin painting, snacks, and fires. Upon arriving at Patriot Park, tables were set up where students could register in a raffle to win Homecoming Hoedown t-shirts and grab a free bag of popcorn. After registering, more tables were set up to the side where students could get a fake, white, mini-pumpkin and choose from an assortment of colors to paint them. While it was nice to provide students with a creative and festive experience, such as pumpkin painting, many students were hoping to have real pumpkins to paint, as was the case in years
BY: SYDNEY SCHWENKE STAFF WRITER
PHOTO COURTESY OF DR. NANTZ
A good professor can be defined by their skills, but a great professor is defined by their respect for their students. Many argue that good university professors need to possess certain, essential qualities. This is true; effective teachers are skilled. However, what is more valuable to most students is whether they feel respected. Respect towards students looks like many things. It is not simply giving students the product (class hours) they are paying for. An educator respects their students by knowing class content and communicating it well. Excellent professors put effort into presenting the class material in a way that can be understood. Their class exams match the material taught in class and through assignments. These
past. Nevertheless, students still enjoyed the pumpkins, with many students expressing their creativity through the painting of the pumpkins. The dancing, however, was the highlight of the event for all students who attended. The DJ ensured everyone could participate by explaining specific dances, dance moves, and the pace at which each dancer should move. This allowed students who were not familiar with these dances to keep up with other students. While most of the songs were meant for Square Dancing, other songs, such as the “Cupid Shuffle” and the “Cha-Cha Slide,” were played to allow more students to join in. By mixing songs that students were familiar with and those that were less known, all students were able to enjoy the dancing aspect of the Hoco Hoedown. The dance floor was filled with students having fun the entire night. During the event, there were two small fires where students could simultaneously warm up and make smores. There were also many cornhole stations where students who did not want to dance or paint pumpkins could go. This
event had activities for everyone who attended. Halfway through the hoedown, student volunteers who set up the event began drawing names for the raffle. Several names were called, so many students were lucky enough to win and receive these shirts to commemorate such a fun and exciting event. Whether dancing is your forte or not, the Hoco Hoedown had something for all students. Although all of the activities were fun, witnessing the dancing was the most entertaining activity. The DJ was fantastic and helped make the night memorable, teaching the dancers what to do during specific dances. The fires were a great idea, not only for the smores but for the heat that all students desperately needed after spending so much time outside on such a chilly fall night. Having cornhole and a raffle set up was another great idea since it attracted many students who may not have attended. Throughout the night, students enjoyed themselves with many taking a much-needed break from studying.
Effective Educators What Makes A Good Professor?
educators are also humble enough to admit when they do not know the answer to a question and look for the answer or teach their students to find it for themselves. They are consistent in their policies and procedures but also understand the student’s needs and limitations. They show concern for those who need or want additional help by answering emails and meeting with them. Again, a great professor can be defined by their respect for students and by the students’ respect for them. A professor’s enthusiasm is incredibly valued by students, making them more excited to learn. When students see that their professor enjoys the content they teach, they have more respect for them and may grow to love that area of study even more. Curiosity and enthusiasm in the classroom are also fostered by a professor who is dynamic and passionate about their field of study. Respect is a mental orientation where a person values another’s point of view. As a rule, people are more likely to respect those who respect them. Not only will students honor respectful professors more, but they will also be better learners when taught with respect. American philosopher Nel Noddings formed some of the first comprehensive theories of care. Noddings saw that one of the most basic elements
of a relationship is displaying sympathy. The idea that showing consideration is essential to humans implies that where this care is lacking, humans may function at a lower level. Academically speaking, when educators show that they care about their students, students will learn at a higher level. Professors who go beyond what is required and listen to their students are also incredibly valued by them. Students feel like their thoughts are impactful when a class discussion is encouraged and affirmed. When educators give informed feedback, students realize that their words matter. Professors prove that they care about their student’s well-being when they check in on them and actively listen to students’ responses. When professors listen to their students, they also gain a better understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, passions, and worldviews. This more thorough understanding of where students are coming from can help educators create lessons that better challenge and encourage their students. Overall, excellent professors are skilled, good communicators, enthusiastic about their class content, sympathetic toward their students; and show their students that they are valued by listening to them.
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