‘The textbook is always by a fellow colleague of theirs’: Student Calls Out Professors: ‘disconnected from reality’

Imagine starting a new semester, excited and eager, only to be handed a mandatory textbook list with exorbitant prices. Now, picture realizing that these expensive textbooks are often penned by friends or colleagues of your very own professors.

In a viral TikTok video, a college sophomore named Jocy doesn’t just imagine it—she lives it.

The Costly Textbook Conundrum

In her video, Jocy expresses her frustration with college professors who assign mandatory and exorbitantly priced textbooks as if it’s no big deal.

She questions the logic of expecting students to shell out $200 for a book required for a two-credit class. It’s a valid concern, as students are increasingly burdened with the escalating costs of education, making every dollar count.

@ramennoodleha1r The textbook is also always by a fellow ‘colleague’ of their’s… #college #university #professor #uni #school ♬ original sound – Jocy

Professors Unaware of Student Realities

Another aspect of the disconnect, as Jocy points out, is professors being genuinely shocked when they discover that a significant portion of their students spend their summers working.

Stating that a professor seemed astounded when 80% of the class revealed they had worked during the break. Rather than understanding the necessity of it, the professor criticized them for not taking a break. Jocy astutely highlights the privilege of not having to work over the summer.

The situation doesn’t improve during the academic year, when many students must balance work and studies. According to Jocy, professors react negatively when students disclose that they work, particularly if it exceeds 10 hours per week.

She emphasizes that, for many students, work is not an option but a necessity to afford basic necessities like groceries.

Professors’ Perceptions of Academia

Jocy also highlights how some professors discuss their academic journeys, often mentioning earning a Ph.D. or accumulating multiple degrees while remaining in school for eight to 10 years. They justify this by claiming they weren’t ready for a “real life” job and preferred to stay in the educational bubble.

This perspective leaves students wondering how these professors could afford such lengthy academic pursuits when they seem shocked by the concept of working and studying simultaneously.

The Textbook’s Ties

In a poignant caption, Jocy points out that their fellow colleagues frequently authored the assigned textbooks, adding another layer to the disconnect between students and professors.

This practice, where professors assign their own textbooks, raises questions about the motivations behind such decisions, especially considering the financial burden on students.

Jocy’s video has struck a chord with students, amassing over 115,000 views and nearly 300 comments. Many students shared their similar experiences, with one commenter expressing frustration about professors who write textbooks and still make students purchase them.

Public School Teacher Perceptions & Impact of Bias

The discussion highlights the complex perceptions of public school teachers and the significant impact of bias on students within the education system.

Data from interviews with women indicate that many inner-city public school teachers are perceived as unqualified, uncommitted, uncaring, and biased toward the students they are meant to educate.

However, the mothers interviewed also acknowledge the presence of caring and effective teachers in the system. Despite the negative perceptions, a consensus is that offering increased pay and respect to teachers could attract better educators to the public school system. Still, the negative impressions of teachers remain prominent.

The discussion also delves into the concept of teachers’ deficit thinking, which leads to biased judgments of students rooted in racial, cultural, and class-based stereotypes. These biases are influenced by teachers’ peer socialization and their own educational and race-based experiences.

The impact of teacher bias on students is profound, affecting their self-esteem, motivation, and academic performance. This notion is supported by various scholars, emphasizing the need for teachers to be aware of their biases and address them in their instructional practices.

Furthermore, the discussion highlights how teachers tend to adapt their instructional practices based on the characteristics of their students, including their ability and cultural background.

While such adaptation can be beneficial, it’s crucial to ensure that all students have access to enhanced learning opportunities, regardless of their background or ability. Strategies like peer learning and tutoring can help level the playing field and improve learning outcomes, especially for students facing learning difficulties.

The discussion underscores the multifaceted perceptions of public school teachers and the critical role that bias plays in shaping students’ experiences and outcomes in the education system. It emphasizes the need for educators to be mindful of their biases and work toward equitable learning opportunities for all students.

More from Viral Chatter

In a recent viral video, a mother named Stacy unveiled the staggering cost of college education for her daughter.

Stacy’s revelation was about the principal amount borrowed and the exorbitant interest rates attached to it.

• Read: “I am sick to my stomach”: Mother Blasts Loan Company for Over $100K Yearly Interest for Daughter’s College Expenses

‘I genuinely don’t know what to do’ College Student Forgets to Confirm Housing

One student’s story in college life is a stark reminder of the vital importance of double-checking housing arrangements before embarking on the journey to campus.

Meet Zandrox, the college student who learned a hard lesson when he discovered, all too late, that he had neglected to confirm his dorm room assignment.

As his parents assisted him in moving to campus, they were met with the unexpected reality of their child having no place to call home.

• Read: ‘I genuinely don’t know what to do’ College Student Forgets to Confirm Housing
  

Sources

1. files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ852360.pdf
2. pressbooks.pub/foundationsofamericaneducation/chapter/chapter-5/
3. oecd.org/berlin/43541655.pdf