What should you call me? If this is the first time I’ve had you in class, I prefer “Professor Roith” (“Dr. Roith” is OK but I might try to perform surgery on you). If I’ve had you in a previous class, or we are working together regularly (on research, CIR, as a TA, etc.) you may call me “Joe”. I typically don’t like “Professor Joe” or “Mr. Roith”.
As we go through the semester and get to know each other more and have better discussions, I may let everyone call me Joe. I hope we get to that point!
Please feel free to tell me your preferred name at any time (including immediately after I forget to use it).
During this course I will have many expectations of you. In turn, you should have expectations of me (I encourage you to discuss this with other professors as well, just don’t tell them I gave you the idea).
I will return graded assignments in a timely fashion (Hopefully within one week of due date).
… what else?
There have been many studies performed to quantify classroom behavior and course performance at the college level. Here are some resources to help you succeed at the collegiate level.
Our subject requires the use of the most current technologies. Computers, cell phones, and tablets are all helpful to collect, manage, and analyze data. However, in our classroom they will be a distraction if not used in accordance to the material at hand. Not only are they a distraction to you, but also to me and your peers. Believe it or not, I actually can tell when you are taking snapchat selfies, checking your insta, or even writing that lab report for your biology class.
Put the phones away, and even consider taking hand written notes during lecture portions of class. Research has shown that students have better long-term comprehension when taking notes by hand.
I want to get everyone in class to speak at some point during the semester. More research points to the fact that in a typical classroom, about 80 percent of the discussion is lead by 15 percent of students. And when you speak up, you are more likely to achieve a higher grade than when you do not.
I will let there be silence in the classroom until someone talks or I may call on you to give your opinion. The classroom may feel slightly uncomfortable on occasion, but know that this is a safe environment where I invite any question. No one is here to judge what you say in the classroom, we are all learning and new at this.
Don’t simply read the textbook. Take time to think about what you read. When learning any subject there are things you know, things you know you don’t know, and things you don’t know you don’t know ( woah ).
Metacognition is the process of thinking about how you think. Basically, before you read a chapter, think about what you know about that topic (you my know nothing about it). After you read it, think about what you now understand, and think about how it fits into the larger subject of statistics (this is where I come in to put things in perspective). Finally, understand that there are things you won’t understand right away and that’s OK. Talk about your areas of confusion in or out of class with me, the SI, a tutor, your dog, just verbalize them and try to find the source of the confusion.
Peer tutors at the Writing Desk offer help with any paper, in any class, at any stage of the writing process. You can sign up for an appointment online or drop in to RML 354 or the outer reference room, across from the reference desk/by the IT helpdesk. Tutors are available Sundays 12-5 and 7-10, Mondays-Thursdays 9-5 and 7-10, and Fridays 9-5. Learn more at http://wp.stolaf.edu/caas/writing-help/.
Speaking tutors help students effectively speak and listen within academic conversations, from participating in or leading class discussions to preparing and rehearsing formal presentations. You can sign up for an appointment online or drop in Sundays-Thursdays 7-10pm in RML355. Learn more at http://wp.stolaf.edu/caas/speaking-center/.
I greatly value your experience in this class, and it is my duty to facilitate a safe, caring, and productive learning environment. I recognize that you may experience a range of emotional, physical, and/or psychological issues, both in and out of the classroom, that may distract you from your learning. If you are experiencing such issues, please do not hesitate to come see me—I am here to listen. We can also discuss what further resources might be available to you.
I take this very seriously. I understand the stress and load you are feeling from other classes and activities. I expect you to do the work in this class and your others but I want you to be healthy people above all else.
This course affirms people of all gender expressions and gender identities. If you go by a different name than what is on the class roster, please let me know. Using correct gender pronouns is important to me, so you are encouraged to share your pronouns with me and correct me if a mistake is made. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Statistics has traditionally been a bastion of gender stigmas. We will discuss how we can promote change and also how we sometimes have to deal with the nature of data as collected.