Tangents and Tirades

by The Cowl Editor on September 20, 2018


Opinion


Kid reading book.
Photo courtesy of ProProfs.

Be Aware of Events Outside PC

On a small campus like Providence College, it is easy to forget about everything else that is happening in the world.

We hear stories and read headlines every day, but most of the time it is merely background noise or  only given a single glance. We become so focused on our own lives and the situations that directly affect us that we become blind to significant events in other parts of the country.

When we hear about events like Hurricane Florence, we are quick to post our condolences on social media. We sympathize in the moment, but how often do we really stop to think about it?

Nearly 20 deaths have occurred since the storm’s start, and more than 450 people have been rescued after being stranded in the floodwaters. With all these statistics, people become reduced to numbers.

Tragedies happen every day, but it is important to remember that there are human beings involved.

A crisis like Hurricane Florence should not be forgotten after the click of a mouse. Even the smallest gesture can make a big difference, such as donating a few dollars to help with relief.

Whenever there is a critical event reported in the news, do not change the channel or continue scrolling.

Instead, take the time to educate yourself and learn about what is happening around you, because our bubble should be so much larger than PC.

-Hannah Paxton ’19

 

Reading Quizzes Arenít Objective

Regardless of major or grade, the routine reading quiz is an unavoidable stressor to any Providence College student. 

Most professors assert that the sole function of any reading quiz is to assess that students have attentively read their assigned homework.

However, lately students have complained that their reading quizzes require more a than just a basic comprehension of the text. 

Professors are assigning reading quizzes that call for students to demonstrate an acute understanding of the reading through short response questions or an in-depth analysis of a quote or selection. 

Additionally, many students complained that answers to their “reading quizzes” tend to be highly subjective, thus their responses are marked incorrect if their interpretation of a text is not adequately aligned with their professors.

While students should eventually be able to achieve an in-depth comprehension of an assigned text, is it justified that they should be responsible for proving an advanced level of understanding upon a first reading?

If a professor is going to advertise an assessment as a “reading quiz,” it is only fair that the assignment be highly objective and straightforward enough that a sufficient grade will be attainable for any student who diligently read the text. 

Ideally, a more complicated assessment evaluating a deeper comprehension of the text could be assigned to students after they had the opportunity to discuss the text with their professors and peers. In turn, they will reach more enlightened conclusions about their assigned readings.

-Alyssa Cohen ’21