Lecturer getting too cocky

Dancing With Myself

Once she said stressed the importance of a theory during a lab. She said if you answer X instead of Y, "you will be shot at point blank range". Although it wasn't meant to be taken literally, I didn't like the sound of it. Another day in a the lecture theater she was getting a bit frustrated at the class when they couldn't any a rediculously simple question which didn't require course knowledge. I eventually answered "3" to her question and she instead demanded an answer from the people at the back. She eventually answered it for them saying "God ye're a bright lot", which they laughed at. She later explained a concept and afterwards said if a true/false question is presented on this and "if you say (wrong answer)... I will find you...." at which point everyone laughed and when they quitened a bit "...and you'll be bloody sure you won't get it wrong again". I certainly didn't laugh.

How inappropriate do you think this is? and what do you think could hypothetically be done about it

Witcher

Nothing, grow a thicker skin.

ironclaw

To be honest, any lecturer that expresses a little enthusiasm and fun should be praised. There are some terrible attitudes and chips in shoulders around campus. Anyone else have the 'in my day they locked the doors when the started a lecture' brigade? That annoyed me no end. If someone is late, deal with it. The vast, vast majority are quiet and courteous if they arrive late. No need to make a big deal.

Vorophobe

IMO this does not meet my definition of a bad lecturer

Maybe you'd be happier if they left the colourful language aside, but they are free to lecture in whatever style they want. Part of studying at University is learning to cope with different lecturers and how they teach their course material. After all it's only human to want to do things your own way

> what do you think could hypothetically be done about it
If you still feel strongly about it, skip the lectures and study the course material yourself

But I'd imagine soon enough you'd just encounter another enthusiastic lecturer, so yeah in the nicest way, just deal with it

Legwinski

I really dislike that style of lecturing too!

Sam the Sham

Dancing With Myself wrote: »

Once she said stressed the importance of a theory during a lab. She said if you answer X instead of Y, "you will be shot at point blank range". Although it wasn't meant to be taken literally, I didn't like the sound of it. Another day in a the lecture theater she was getting a bit frustrated at the class when they couldn't any a rediculously simple question which didn't require course knowledge.

Look at the quality of your prose. I'd say she probably is completely demoralised and does want to kill you.

WoollyRedHat

Dancing with Myself, this is not to be taken lightly, if I were you I'd report these very serious matters to the college authorities.

This lady sounds like a very dangerous person. However, there is a chance the college authorities mightn't take you seriously, or even worse, they might tell her and then you'll be number one on her list, in which case I would flee and seek refuge in a church until it all blows over.

professore

OP, a career in HR beckons ....

Seriously though, your lecturer just sounds like she has a personality. You should be grateful.

Pat Mustard

Dancing With Myself wrote: »

and what do you think could hypothetically be done about it

Outrageous stuff, OP! Have you considered making a protest? Perhaps you could dance with yourself.:pac:

Red Alert

People really need to cop on here. Would you rather be lectured to by a robot?

StompToWork

Dancing With Myself wrote: »

How inappropriate do you think this is? and what do you think could hypothetically be done about it

I don't think it is inappropriate at all, unless you believe she is someone who might follow up on those "threats". From your post, can I take it you don't believe that?

That said, if you are really concerned about her behaviour, the very first thing you should do is to talk to her directly. Explain your concern, and gauge her response. I suggest talking to her first - before taking any other formal action - because if you ever have a grievance with someone, you should address it to them in the first instance (or at the very least, make them aware that you are uncomfortable and why).

Personally, I would disregard those who say "grew a thicker skin" and "sure no harm done", because nobody here knows why you have a concern about this. Regardless of whether or not the outward perception picked up from your post is that your concerns are baseless or unwarranted, they are concerns for you.

You do, however, owe it yourself and your lecturer to be very sure that this is something you cannot live with before proceeding. It may very well be that after further reflection ahead of taking any action, you may decide that it something you can allow to wash over you.

diddlybit

StompToWork wrote: »

You do, however, owe it yourself and your lecturer to be very sure that this is something you cannot live with before proceeding. It may very well be that after further reflection ahead of taking any action, you may decide that it something you can allow to wash over you.

This. In the grand scale of things OP, is her behavior worth getting this worked up about? Is it just you or have fellow classmates also commented on it? For all the headspace you are wasting on this fairly trival matter, you could be filling your head with oodles of knowledge.

She sounds like fun. Better those antics than 50 mins of someone reading a lecture off a ream of papers in a monotone voice who doesn't make eye-contact with the class.

cuckoo

I don't see how the lecturer's behaviour as described in the OP's post could be construed as 'cocky'?

She sounds like she has a confident mastery of her subject, and is keeping the class engaged.

Gokei

"Hypothetically, what could be done about it?"
You've two options.
1. Report her.
2. Do nothing apart from vent on here and go back to class quietly judging, never to say a word.

[Jackass]

Dancing With Myself wrote: »

Once she said stressed the importance of a theory during a lab. She said if you answer X instead of Y, "you will be shot at point blank range". Although it wasn't meant to be taken literally, I didn't like the sound of it. Another day in a the lecture theater she was getting a bit frustrated at the class when they couldn't any a rediculously simple question which didn't require course knowledge. I eventually answered "3" to her question and she instead demanded an answer from the people at the back. She eventually answered it for them saying "God ye're a bright lot", which they laughed at. She later explained a concept and afterwards said if a true/false question is presented on this and "if you say (wrong answer)... I will find you...." at which point everyone laughed and when they quitened a bit "...and you'll be bloody sure you won't get it wrong again". I certainly didn't laugh.

How inappropriate do you think this is? and what do you think could hypothetically be done about it

I would reserve judgement until we can find out whether or not her "shooting you at point blank range" was literal or not.

If she did mean it literally, I would report her. Mothers should at least expect to be able to give their student children an open cascet funeral.

Chet T16

If this lecturer is hot i know exactly where this is going, i've seen it in the movies lots of times.

Soft Falling Rain

You're lucky that you have a lecturer that actually wants to interact with her class and test your knowledge. The last thing you want is one that sleep walks through 60 minutes (and judging by my time in UCD, there's plenty of them around).

Having said that though, I do get irritated by the ones who try too hard to be witty and just come across as a sarcastic sap, I need more info OP. :pac:

Heikki

Dancing With Myself wrote: »

Once she said stressed the importance of a theory during a lab. She said if you answer X instead of Y, "you will be shot at point blank range". Although it wasn't meant to be taken literally, I didn't like the sound of it. Another day in a the lecture theater she was getting a bit frustrated at the class when they couldn't any a rediculously simple question which didn't require course knowledge. I eventually answered "3" to her question and she instead demanded an answer from the people at the back. She eventually answered it for them saying "God ye're a bright lot", which they laughed at. She later explained a concept and afterwards said if a true/false question is presented on this and "if you say (wrong answer)... I will find you...." at which point everyone laughed and when they quitened a bit "...and you'll be bloody sure you won't get it wrong again". I certainly didn't laugh.

How inappropriate do you think this is? and what do you think could hypothetically be done about it

If you feel uncomfortable then there is something wrong with the teaching style.. It may be that he/ she is trying to be colourful but is not doing It right.. Say how you feel in the module feedback form online

bnt

Sounds like the lecturer has seen too much Top Gear on Dave, and is channeling Jeremy Clarkson.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuuDnqSPnhA

Riamfada

Personally I do not think its inappropriate. Have you spoken to any of your classmates about it, what have they got to say?

WoollyRedHat

Riamfada wrote: »

Personally I do not think its inappropriate. Have you spoken to any of your classmates about it, what have they got to say?

They ain't sayin' nothin'!

Dancing With Myself

Riamfada wrote: »

Personally I do not think its inappropriate. Have you spoken to any of your classmates about it, what have they got to say?

Of course it's inappropriate. I don't spend €6,000 for a year's fees to be spoken to in a constantly condescending manner. I won't stand for it and I don't need to speak to my class mates about it to know that I'm right.. but as far as I know, they agree with me. They're hardly going to love her for it!

But of course most Irish decide to suffer in silence, just like with the pedo priests all those years ago! In all my years of education, I've never come across someone I didn't like as much. Are you saying you'd be perfectly okay with it?

Gokei

Dancing With Myself wrote: »

But of course most Irish decide to suffer in silence, just like with the pedo priests all those years ago!

Are you going to suffer in silence?

Riamfada

Dancing With Myself wrote: »

Of course it's inappropriate. I don't spend €6,000 for a year's fees to be spoken to in a constantly condescending manner. I won't stand for it and I don't need to speak to my class mates about it to know that I'm right.. but as far as I know, they agree with me. They're hardly going to love her for it!

But of course most Irish decide to suffer in silence, just like with the pedo priests all those years ago! In all my years of education, I've never come across someone I didn't like as much. Are you saying you'd be perfectly okay with it?

I probably wouldnt get as would up about it, personally I think you are over reacting and should probably see out the semester and in the end, if you feel it is completely necessary, say something to the lecturer rather than posting on message boards.

But if you want my real opinion, assuming you are because you posted here, you really need to grow a backbone and take terms like "sure arnt you a bright lot" and "shoot you at point blank range" on the chin. Perhaps your group should be able to answer tutorial questions. Its not primary school anymore.

Sam the Sham

Dancing With Myself wrote: »

Of course it's inappropriate. I don't spend €6,000 for a year's fees to be spoken to in a constantly condescending manner. I won't stand for it and I don't need to speak to my class mates about it to know that I'm right.. but as far as I know, they agree with me. They're hardly going to love her for it!

But of course most Irish decide to suffer in silence, just like with the pedo priests all those years ago! In all my years of education, I've never come across someone I didn't like as much. Are you saying you'd be perfectly okay with it?

Get over yourself. You're can't possibly be "suffering" from any of the behaviour as you described it and the comparison with paedophile priests is obscene. Why not go the full nine yards and compare yourself to a holocaust victim? "This course is as bad as Auschwitz and the lecturer is Hitler!"

Also, the entitled consumerist mentality has no place in a university. This isn't a restaurant where you can send the soup back. What's more, whatever you're paying in fees doesn't even come close to the cost of providing you with the education you're receiving.

Also, how'd you arrive at €6,000?

sillysmiles

Dancing With Myself wrote: »

Of course it's inappropriate. I don't spend €6,000 for a year's fees to be spoken to in a constantly condescending manner.

Would it not make more sense considering the €6000 fees you pay, to actually pay attention in lectures and be able to answer

rediculously

simple questions.

Scuid Mhór

Sam the Sham wrote: »

Get over yourself. You're can't possibly be "suffering" from any of the behaviour as you described it and the comparison with paedophile priests is obscene. Why not go the full nine yards and compare yourself to a holocaust victim? "This course is as bad as Auschwitz and the lecturer is Hitler!"

Ha. Haha.

Yeah.

:rolleyes:

Vision of Disorder

Dancing with Myself is one of my favourite songs and deserves better than to be tarnished in such controversial matters.

Durz0 Blint

Dancing With Myself wrote: »

Once she said stressed the importance of a theory during a lab. She said if you answer X instead of Y, "you will be shot at point blank range". Although it wasn't meant to be taken literally, I didn't like the sound of it. Another day in a the lecture theater she was getting a bit frustrated at the class when they couldn't any a rediculously simple question which didn't require course knowledge. I eventually answered "3" to her question and she instead demanded an answer from the people at the back. She eventually answered it for them saying "God ye're a bright lot", which they laughed at. She later explained a concept and afterwards said if a true/false question is presented on this and "if you say (wrong answer)... I will find you...." at which point everyone laughed and when they quitened a bit "...and you'll be bloody sure you won't get it wrong again". I certainly didn't laugh.

How inappropriate do you think this is? and what do you think could hypothetically be done about it

I like your lecturer

matTNT

This is honestly the most farcical complaint I have ever heard of a lecturer. I don't care what tone it was said in there were no boundaries crossed and the lecture actually seems to care and want to engage with the group.

I implore you to share your claim with a fellow classmate, as if you have described is true then you will be laughed at.

Mr Cook

Dancing With Myself wrote: »

Of course it's inappropriate. I don't spend €6,000 for a year's fees to be spoken to in a constantly condescending manner. I won't stand for it and I don't need to speak to my class mates about it to know that I'm right.. but as far as I know, they agree with me. They're hardly going to love her for it!

But of course most Irish decide to suffer in silence, just like with the pedo priests all those years ago! In all my years of education, I've never come across someone I didn't like as much. Are you saying you'd be perfectly okay with it?

Given that you are paying so much for the course you are essentially paying her wages. So if she is acting the maggot in this way then of course you - as her de facto employer - have a right to complain !

ironclaw

Mr Cook wrote: »

Given that you are paying so much for the course you are essentially paying her wages. So if she is acting the maggot in this way then of course you - as her de facto employer - have a right to complain !

De facto employer? Seriously erroneous and bad attitude to have. Lecturers have no responsibility to you in higher education. If you want to show up and consume the material in the manner in which they deliver, so be it. Your suppose to pursue all the material in your own time as well, so even if they lecture poorly, its enough to get the ball rolling and form a basis of the subject. They ain't there to spoon-feed you. And certainly, in my experience, someone will not be allowed lecture for long if they are not meeting a basic certain standard.

Mr Cook

ironclaw wrote: »

De facto employer? Seriously erroneous and bad attitude to have. Lecturers have no responsibility to you in higher education. If you want to show up and consume the material in the manner in which they deliver, so be it. Your suppose to pursue all the material in your own time as well, so even if they lecture poorly, its enough to get the ball rolling and form a basis of the subject. They ain't there to spoon-feed you. And certainly, in my experience, someone will not be allowed lecture for long if they are not meeting a basic certain standard.

That's not in question here. What is, is the attitude of he OP's de facto employee which is falling below the standard that he expects

Triangla

OP, sitting in a lecture hall for an hour at a time how many times a week to listen to an annoying lecturer does in no way equate to keeping quiet about paedo priests.

Taking an attitude that you are the lecturers de-facto employer is a simply theoretical argument. They are employees of the college, not you. You pay to attend the college and sit in a lecture with the masses.

If you want a personalised lecture delivered in the manner in which you prefer I'm sure you will have to stump up a bit more cash for private tutorials.

If the lecturer has hurt you in anyway, approach them and let them know in which way but be nice about it. There is no reason not to be polite in this circumstance and you will get a lot further by being so.

paddyh117

Dancing With Myself wrote: »

Of course it's inappropriate. I don't spend €6,000 for a year's fees to be spoken to in a constantly condescending manner. I won't stand for it and I don't need to speak to my class mates about it to know that I'm right.. but as far as I know, they agree with me. They're hardly going to love her for it!

But of course most Irish decide to suffer in silence, just like with the pedo priests all those years ago! In all my years of education, I've never come across someone I didn't like as much. Are you saying you'd be perfectly okay with it?

....it's not necessarily inappropriate, just because you think it is - you're hardly "suffering" - she has a style that is at odds with your preference - nothing more nothing less - to be honest if you're making such a big deal over what is less face it, something trivial - I would worry about you when you leave college and enter the real world!

your entire argument is ridiculous and you need to get a grip.

paddyh117

Mr Cook wrote: »

That's not in question here. What is, is the attitude of he OP's de facto employee which is falling below the standard that he expects

Give up the whole "de facto employee" line - you may be studying law I'm guessing and you've learned some key phrases, but paying to be in a lecture does not equate to being an employee in any way shape or form!

ghogie91

Its a direct attempt at banter with the students to bridge any gap between staff and students

I think your getting offended too easily to be honest

Mr Cook

paddyh117 wrote: »

Give up the whole "de facto employee" line - you may be studying law I'm guessing and you've learned some key phrases, but paying to be in a lecture does not equate to being an employee in any way shape or form!

It does because ultimately the revenue flow from the OPs (hefty) fees transfer to the lecturer's pocket. If he has an issue, which he does, with the service he has purchased then he has every right for remediation here !

paddyh117

Mr Cook wrote: »

It does because ultimately the revenue flow from the OPs (hefty) fees transfer to the lecturers pocket. If he has and issue, which he does, with the service he has purchased then he has every right fir remediation here !

I'm surprised you haven't quoted the Sale of goods & supply of services act yet!

Remediation from what?????????????.......banter?? Bad jokes??...not everyone gets what they want - not everyone gets spoken to in a manner that they're used to - not every lecture can be delivered exactly in the way the OP wants, or seemingly needs - there's nothing here that needs to be fixed!

Mr Cook

paddyh117 wrote: »

I'm surprised you haven't quoted the Sale of goods & supply of services act yet!

Remediation from what?????????????.......banter?? Bad jokes??...not everyone gets what they want - not everyone gets spoken to in a manner that they're used to - not every lecture can be delivered exactly in the way the OP wants, or seemingly needs - there's nothing here that needs to be fixed!

The OP is obviously upset with his de facto employee's attitude in delivering the service he has purchased through his fees. He can take this further and would be justified in doing so

paddyh117

Mr Cook wrote: »

The OP is obviously upset with his de facto employee's attitude in delivering the service he has purchased through his fees. He can take this further and would be justified in doing so

You're taking the p1ss now. You haven't a clue what you're typing - it's just words.

Triangla

paddyh117 wrote: »

You're taking the p1ss now. You haven't a clue what you're typing - it's just words.

You mean de facto letters.

Vision of Disorder

Mr Cook wrote: »

The OP is obviously upset with his de facto employee's attitude in delivering the service he has purchased through his fees. He can take this further and would be justified in doing so

He's not purchased an attitude of delivery though and the service he's paid for is being delivered. So what's the issue?

paddyh117

Vision of Disorder wrote: »

He's not purchased an attitude of delivery though and the service he's paid for is being delivered. So what's the issue?

Clearly the main issue here is that the world is full of spoiled people, with an over-inflated sense of entitlement, and zero grasp on reality!

Mr Cook

Vision of Disorder wrote: »

He's not purchased an attitude of delivery though and the service he's paid for is being delivered. So what's the issue?

Of course he has ! If the lecturer isn't delivering in an appropriate manner ie flippant and threatening comments that might upset certain individuals, then he has every right and justification to take this further with the university authorities.

Mr Cook

paddyh117 wrote: »

You're taking the p1ss now. You haven't a clue what you're typing - it's just words.

Your riposte says a lot

Larbre34

Seems to me we're raising academically able kids in this country, but with all the emotional intelligence and life skills of a transparent p1ss soaked tissue.

Dancing With Myself

sillysmiles wrote: »

Would it not make more sense considering the €6000 fees you pay, to actually pay attention in lectures and be able to answer simple questions.

I'm one of the few who can answer the questions... but the point you made is just avoiding the issue anyway

BeerFear

Mr Cook wrote: »

Of course he has ! If the lecturer isn't delivering in an appropriate manner ie flippant and threatening comments that might upset certain individuals, then he has every right and justification to take this further with the university authorities.

It's a bit of craic and the lecturer is interacting with his/her students. Lecturer is making the class interesting and sounds like a very good lecturer in my opinion. If people get offended by that then they should not watch television or go on the internet and lock themselves in a room with cotton wool. Last thing you want is a boring lecturer who can't lecture and doesn't give a crap about the students.

Dancing With Myself

ghogie91 wrote: »

Its a direct attempt at banter with the students to bridge any gap between staff and students

I think your getting offended too easily to be honest

Believe me, you can tell when it's banter and when it's not

markesmith

This is a ridiculous post by the OP. As a poster above said, I would worry for this person when they leave college and enter the world of work.