The Random Thoughts of Louis Schmier

I was thinking about my metaphor survey this morning. Yes, the results are troubling. I wonder if these students are a sample of what’s out there. Unfortunately, I think they are. I think part of the problem is that if professors accept even partial validity of the results, they would have to redefine themselves. First, [...]

So many of us believe that the grade is an absolute indicator of achievement and a college degree is an absolute indicator of competency. Our idea of success is so hung up on performance. Let me try and make myself and my approach clear. First, I operate on the assumption that every one of my [...]

Why is it that we seldom think in terms other than “either/or:” either we are student oriented or subject oriented; either we are involved in process or in content; either we concentrate on a student’s intellect or the student’s character; either we value an education for its vocational goals or it loftier ends of self-development; [...]

Why are so many of us educators so blasted defensive, so over-sensitive to criticism, and so inclined to deflect criticism however constructive and revealing it may be? Are we so fearful in our person and insecure in our job? Do we not have sufficient pride in our craft to know we can do a better [...]

Hi from hot and steamy South Georgia. It was strange this morning. I hardly noticed anything as I roamed the darkened streets. In fact, my walk seemed to last only a minute or two. I guess I was deeply, very deeply, engrossed in my thoughts. Lucky for me that not even the milkman is out [...]

As I pounded the asphalt streets this morning, I was thinking about grapefruits and students. My wife had gotten up early this morning. Darling as she may normally be, she is not a happy camper in the mornings, especially if she thinks my rummaging through my dresser drawers like a “clunky elephant,” (her words) groping [...]

Lordy, it was hot and humid out there this morning. It also was like Grand Central Station on the streets. Maybe that’s because I went out late to power-walk. Anyway, the diversity of people out there was amazing. There I was, in my early fifties–my very early fifties–chugging away on my four mile route at [...]