Friday, June 02, 2006
I apparently registered for the "for education majors only" section of introductory entomology, which only has about eight other students (one horticulture major; the rest are majors in Human Development and Family Studies). When the professor mentioned this section would not compile a bug collection, I raised my hand and asked to be permitted to stay. This he quite readily allowed, remarking he was glad I am in the class (words to eat later), for I comment every once in a while on the derivation of this or that genus or species name.
The professor, notably, cares about fostering education, providing a stimulating environment, encouraging comment and inquiry, etc. On the first day of roll call, he listened to us explain our majors and told us about his own family, his research, and so forth, but all in something of a more personable manner than exercises of this sort in other classes typically involve. He covers a vast amount of material during lecture, but he is thorough and well-paced. I sat for two hours through descriptions of the characteristics of the main phyla, but never checked my watch. I am genuinely pleased as punch to be in the class, especially since I also have enough time to devote some study to it.
[Lauree Frances Keith concluded this diatribe at 2:44 AM]