I was not sure if we were supposed to put up 10 posts, or 11, but I have been wanting to get this off my chest for a while. I would first like to preface this post by saying that I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a B.Ed. and M.Ed. student at the University of Ottawa, and have nothing but positive thoughts on the professors.
About 3 years ago, I began the strenuous task of looking for a university to do my B.Ed. I actually made an Excel spreadsheet, with every university with a B.Ed. program in Ontario in it, tuition costs, rent cost, and organized by where I'd like to live. Based on all the stats, I chose the University of Ottawa, and have no regrets of my decision.
When I finished my B.Ed., I was talking to a professor (who shall remain anonymous), when I casually mentioned, "to pass the B.Ed. courses, one didn't even need to show up". I said it in jest, and the professor completely agreed with me. A few weeks later, the professor told me he had mentioned my joke to the Dean, who laughed and agreed as well. Don't get me wrong, I worked hard these past two years. I took readings and assignments seriously. But to see colleagues skip class, half-ass the work, and still manage to achieve their degree, makes me question the value of that piece of paper proudly hung at my parent's home.
The lowest grade I heard of one attaining the the B.Ed. was a B+. And that was by someone who stated their racist and outrageous beliefs in class throughout the course. A person, who, by any means, in my opinion should not be around children, should not be molding minds, and yet, is allowed to. There were students who are 'qualified' to teach mathematics at the secondary level, but cannot convert square metres to square kilometres. It was mind boggling. It made me question the entire education system. It made me want to weep for future students.
I am sure the practice of passing students happens at various other post-secondary institutions, because, let's be honest, at the end of the day, it's all about the money. There were people in my engineering undergrad who should not have gotten their degree, but managed to do so anyway. These individuals, thankfully, are limited in their careers, because of oversight and measure. Keeping students enrolled means more money coming in. But we are in a field where it simply does not effect one person - one person in the field effects 25 minds per class, 6 classes a year, over 25 years = 3750 people. And I would argue that number is the minimum number of minds effected. And we're in a field that does not have a lot of oversight.
That being said, please don't give me a B :)
Thanks for a lovely two years University of Ottawa. I would not have wanted it any other way.
It's been a blast!
2 comments:
Are you counting comments? Engineering degree, yep.
People I studied with at my BeD and MeD were all hard-working. Some were actually asked to make up for the missed classes at my Bed. I guess, it really differs section from section.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I do agree that Faculty of education should keep close attention to the future teachers in terms of racism, gender, and other views. I was glad to hear that Indigenous studies are finally mandatory in the BeD program. I would hope that the Anti-racism course is as well. Making it two years definitely will eliminate some issues you mentioned in your post.
Thanks for sharing this Ragu!
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