Response to Discussions
Response 1
I agree with your discussion post. Laura Pappano addresses how sports have taken over college life until students have lost focus on what brought them to school in the first place. She compares the situation with “the tail wagging the dog.” As a result, students are not performing well in academics. Moreover, most funds are being invested in sports, yet other activities are underfunded. I noticed you have mentioned about striking a balance, which I also agree with. The best solution towards this problem is for the faculty administrators to strike a balance between how to manage academics and sports to ensure students are benefitting in both sectors.
Prompt 2
I concur with your discussion post. The parlor can be titled the adverse effects of sports on academics and student behavior because the main points divided from the article are how sports have been highly regarded, causing adverse effects of education. I fully support you when you mention that universities need to change in the way they handle sports. It is okay to encourage commitment in the game to get a scholarship. However, I think this prompts students to focus more on sports and neglect academics. What idea do you have in mind on how to strike this balance?
Response 2
I enjoyed reading your prompt and agree with you all the time. The way Edmundson begins his introduction gives the student hopes for a great future. The students feel that they are in the right place. They get motivated to work for better grades. I have also noticed that you mentioned how his statement suddenly change the mood when he states that the student has to fight if he wants to get an education. This statement already gets the student questioning the school because the student automatically knows that there are challenges in the education system. I agree with you that the article serves as a self-reflection because, as we read it, we begin to question their standpoint in college life and life in general.
I also agree with you on the final prompt. The two authors are mainly aggressing the issue of education in the US. I think each essay has a claim that should be considered because the two issues are affecting the education system. Edmondson helps us to reflect on the education system and evaluate its benefits to use. One question that has caught my attention is whether we decide or own an educational path or it is assigned to us. This got me thinking of the many times I have asked myself questions regarding the benefits of some courses we take.
References
Edmundson, Mark. “Who Are You and What Are You Doing Here? A Word to the Incoming Class.” Greene, Stuart. From Inquiry to Academic Writing: A Text and Reader. Macmillan Higher Education, 2018.
Pappanp, L. (2012). How big-time sports ate college life.
