Would you write a critical letter to an instructor in one of your classes?

[notfred]

I'm taking an "intro to public speaking" class. It sucks. The instructor (a grad student, not a prefessor) has no clue what she's doing. She assigned our first speech without covering ANYTHING about public speaking. Basically, on the second day of class, she assigned our first speech, with no prior instruction, and about 5 minutes of explanation on what the speech was on. Then, the next two days of class are for performing this speech (yeah, we get like 3 whole days to prepare a speech). Then, on the first day of giving speeches, she has sign-ups for the SECOND speech. She explains absolutely NOTHING about this second speech, but I'm suppsoed to turn in an outline for it on Wednesday.... before I even give the first speech.

Then, next monday, I guess we have some sort of instruction, and then we start giving the second speeches on wednesday. then we have 2 weeks dedicated to giving speeches. We will have been in class for 4 weeks, with at msot, 1 full day of instruction on public speaking.

I want to write her an email complaining, but I don't know if that's a good idea.

Yes, this class is required.

 

Hon', believe me, speech class is almost the worst if not actually the worst calss to challenge your professor/lecturer. They can easily mark you down without much efforts in justifying their decision. In other words, a cover up is not a difficult scheme. Keep a low profile on a matter that isn't favourable to the speech lecturer. NOnetheless, if you do not mind a mark down, then please do proceed to express yourself to the fullest! I luv to do that in writing especially!

 

[notfred]

Already sent the letter. No way I'm keeping my mouth shut on this one.... she's up there on the "worst college teachers of all time" list.

All I have to do is pass I hate English/speech classes.

 

[Kilrsat]

I actually have written critical letters to my professors in the past. I followed up each letter with a one-on-one conversation about my concerns

One took it well, one didn't.

Guess which one I liked more.

 

[b0mbrman]

I've also written quite a number of critical letters to my instructors. They all eat it up...I couldn't possibly score more brownie points if I bought them Christmas presents or something.

 

[monto]

tell us how it goes her ego will determine how she takes to your criticism

 

[glen]

If you are serious, get an A in the class, and THEN talk to the professor.

 

[Jfur]

I assume your letter was polite and constructive? I find it odd that her supervising faculty would let her jump in like that unprepared. Do you know if it's her first semester teaching?

 

[bugsysiegel]

not till the end of the semester!

 

[gopunk]

i don't think you did the right thing. if anything, you should have talked to the deparment chair.