The beginning

Several things struck me in the readings this week, the first being Lamkin's "seven characteristics that have been shown to reduce a student's chance of completing a college program." (2004) According to Lamkin, these characteristics are:

1. Delayed enrollment after high school graduation
2. Lack of a high school diploma
3. Part-time enrollment
4. Full-time work (at least 30 hours per week)
5. Financial independence from parents
6. Dependents other than a spouse
7. Single parenthood

I was surprised to discover that I have four of them. Dyslexic and growing up in a relatively homogeneous, smallish Southwest Michigan town, Lamkin might find the fact I've made it as far as this PhD program surprising, or an illustration of a system that worked. However, when I honestly reflect upon my undergraduate experience, I find that I finished the degree only because I feared what others would think if I didn't. I feared returning to my hometown to work an hourly wage job. I feared unemployment. As an undergraduate I cared less about learning and more about survival.

Contrary to Lamkin's article, my full-time work inspired me to pursue further education. Working in information technology opened my eyes to the possibilities in higher education and fostered my passion for a field that allowed me to be a "geek" and thrive. I've struggled a bit with gender, but sadly this is the nature of my field. Perhaps in the future I'll have the ability to affect change, and I am working to do so.

Another point of interest for me in the readings was contained in the Sedlacek book. In working with instructors I am a staunch proponent of authentic assessment, and assessing the whole student, not only their scores on multiple choice/standard exams. Personalities differ, and this affects how each student translates examination questions. I am sensitive to this because I am one of those students. Extroverted, I learn best from applying what I learn to those around me, and searching for additional resources that further inform my knowledge. I fare poorly on standardized tests because I look for additional meanings in each question.

Assessment is the trickiest part of my job, I look forward to additional knowledge in this area and hope this blog reflects growth in my thinking.