Student Feedback (Week 10)

What a great week!  I had such a great week teaching you all new information.  Overall everyone seemed to learn and process all of this information.  Finishing up week ten of fifteen classes, you all are doing an amazing job.  Keep up the great work!  Check out the feedback from my other sections too.  Many great questions and comments that will benefit all of my students.

The italicized comments are my responses.  I value all feedback, opinions, and contributions to the classroom.  Thank you for sharing this with me–it helps me address your needs as a section.  Please review these weekly, you’ll find that it benefits you well.  Be intentional when it comes to your education.  

Section 001 (MW)

• It’s really scary how many issues go unnoticed in today’s society.  Thank ou for helping bring awareness to these issues.  I wish there was something that could be done to stop human trafficking for good.
• I am constantly impressed by your dedication and thoughtfulness with this class.  You bring such intentional positivity to your work.  I definitely appreciate this as it is very refreshing.  It solidifies my interests in global issues.  I’ve learned so much already! Thanks.
  • Thank you!  I definitely understand what it means to be a student (because in reality I will forever be one…).  I enjoy being with my students and my students are honestly my number one priority.  Sometimes managing 160+ students gets very challenging, but trust me when I say this–I love every minute of it.  You all are incredible students and I truly believe it.  I want you all to go out into the world and be better than I’ll ever be…seriously… I strive to be better than the teachers that I’ve had in my life, and I encourage you to do the same.
• Found the movie interesting having done several tours in Afghanistan and seeing their culture firsthand.  In our briefing they would inform us that “Women are making babies and men are for pleasure” in their culture.
  • Very interesting.  Thank you for sharing this with us.  And thanks for your service.
• I always thought human trafficking was mostly in European countries only because in almost every city there are red light districts, it’s crazy to know there are many more out there that really are “invisible” because we have no idea!
  • Crime has no address!
• As Americans we fail to see outside our own problems.  Human trafficking should be brought to attention and put to rest.  It’s amazing how much I’m taking in from this class.  My mind has become open and more aware of global issues.
  • Global citizenship!  Amazing!  Keep up the great work!
• No no no no no no no no no way!  I didn’t like the video from today but I made myself stay an watch (I really wanted to leave) because I feel like the more you know about something like this you might be able to do something–if not now, hopefully in the future.  It breaks my heart to see.
  • I definitely agree with you–the more you know!  😉
• What has the journalist told these guys for them to agree to talk about this on camera?  I think it’s crazy how open these men are about talking about their experiences with the boys.  It’s like they have no shame.  My heart breaks for those boys.
  • Najibullah was an undercover investigator that guised his intent for the documentary on following similar practices in Europe.  As you saw in the film, he had to establish a working relationship with the individuals and worked for many years to document this story.  

SECTION 006 (TR)

• What do you do in your free time when you don’t have to teach?
  • Ha, while I love teaching, I also love exploring.  Anything that intellectually or physically stimulates me–sign me up!  I’m often planning trips, figuring out what location is possible to travel to next… You could definitely say some of the things that I value more than anything is quality time with family and friends.  I work hard to use my savings on experiences–finding and doing things that are memorable.  So, to answer your question, when I’m not teaching I’m often traveling, finding new places to eat, and scouting deals on Groupon and LivingSocial to see what kind of deal I can find.  🙂  I also  volunteer once a week at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in the hematology/oncology clinic–which is where I find a lot of satisfaction and rewards serving.  🙂
• The Cherry Blossom Festival is this Saturday in Nashville in the Public Square of the Metro Courthouse from 10am to 4pm.  Cherry Blossom trees are my favorite plant.  What is your favorite plant?
  • I actually love plants!  In my home, I have a spider plant that I love.  It’s so funky. I love how plants calm me down and make my apartment feel cozy!  Here’s a pic of one of my many plants.  🙂 
• I love how this class has brought ‘global awareness’ to me!  Even though I have traveld to many countries, I never heard of Bacha Bazi practices in Afghanistan.
  • This is great feedback!  Glad that you’re able to learn inside the classroom as well as out of it.  
• Bacha Bazi disgusts and upsets me.  It hurts so bad to see these small children being groomed to be sex slaves.  What’s even worse is that a lot of these boys have no choice but to be so cavalier about it. Can’t the UN step in?
  • Yes, they are working in their independent organizations to combat these problems–but a few things prohibit them from succeeding–lack of financial support, sensitivity of the topic, and internal corruption, unfortunately.  
• Some good places to go study abroad?  Also, are there scholarships or financial help for these programs?
  • Great question!  Be patient with me–I have guests coming in to class to speak on this topic specifically!  If you have more questions afterwards, let me know and I’ll do my best to help.
• I like watching documentaries like this, they are so eye-opening.  How is homosexuality viewed in the Afghani culture?  What about child molestation?  It’s truly unfortunate what these you boys have to go through.
  • This is a question that was asked more than once.  Both homosexuality and child molestation is publicly frowned upon (keyword: publicly).  However, because this practice is rooted in history and traditional customs, it’s not so much a struggle of understanding homosexuality as it is power and authority.  
• Do you think because women in Afghanistan are such taboo and covered and basically disregarded in society that they rely on these boys for their pleasure?  Desperate times–desperate measures.  These young boys are very feminine.  No facial hair, soft looking like women.  I feel that because of this limited access to women in society that is perhaps why it has become popular again.  P.S.  Could we do a short Q&A about the final project and paper?  I’m still confused about some things.
  • Interesting observations.  One thing to remember about this practice is that while it does happen behind closed doors, it’s not as prevalent as it may seem.  I don’t think it’s so much about the lack of the presence of women in society as much as it is dealing with previous customs and traditions rooted in history.  And your observations about the young boys–again, they’re young boys.  They haven’t fully completed puberty, much less begin it sometimes… but again it’s not so much rooted in feminist and gender issues as it is about power and authority.  Great observations, great question.  As far as the final project, absolutely–let’s talk about it.  If not in class, meet with me one-on-one.  

Section 009 (TR)

• Enjoying class!  I can’t believe it’s getting close to being over!
  • Time flies when you’re having fun…learning!  
• Talking about things like the sex trade is often hard, but you don’t make it awkward.  Thanks for being able to bring such difficult issues into the classroom.
  • You’re welcome!
• That movie was very powerful.  I had no idea that stuff like that was happening.  People discuss the trafficking of females, but never males.  It’s devastating.
  • I’m glad you made that observation.  It’s important to acknowledge that males too can be victims, unfortunately.  
• The documentary was very educating.  I really wish this horrible trafficking would stop! Can this issue be turned to the United Nations?
  • Absolutely, and the UN is involved along with other NGOs, too.  
• Great video!  I usually seem to know the major issue that’s going on in the Middle East; however, I had no knowledge about bacha bazi.  Where do you get all these videos from?
  • The honest answer to this is just research.  My training in graduate school and my own efforts in research has helped me design curriculum that works best for my interests and students.  
• I was wondering, can we use the information from our previous writing assignments?  Like word for word?  And can we just put together all of the information with different focuses, or does the paper have to focus on a specific topic?
  • As instructed on the Final Project Information Packet (which can be found in D2L), your final research paper should focus on one topic that falls under one of the six categories that are provided as options.  Yes, you actually should use information from your previous writing assignments–it is the reason why I designed the writing assignments to benefit you at the end of the course.  Revisit the sources that you’ve cited and create a research paper that is fluid, informative, and flawless.
• Every day I hear people complain about things, like not having the best phone or expensive item and things of the like; I include myself in this.  But we don’t realize how much people in the world go through… these people are subjected to situations they cannot control, while we have freedom to choose whatever we want.  It literally opens your eyes to be thankful for where you live and the luxuries given to us.
  • Great observation!  While we continue to make progress in social justice and human rights, it is obvious that we still have challenges and obstacles ahead…
• Did you say we might get a few extra points for dressing like our country for our presentation?
  • Dressing in attire symbolic of your country definitely will help you with your overall presentation, but no it will not earn you any ‘extra’ points.  
• I guess because of the ignorance of our society, I didn’t realize how prevalent human trafficking still is, and I now believe it is important to keep yourself informed of such terrible travesties.
  • Whether it’s human trafficking specifically or just current events–staying informed benefits you ultimately.  I encourage you and challenge you to keep up with current events and global affairs–not because it benefits me–but because it’ll help you in the long run.  Being informed and educating yourself is one of the ultimate rewards in life.  Knowledge is powerful, truly!  
• This is my favorite class!  It’s so much fun and I learn a lot too.  🙂
  • Great!  Glad you joined me this semester.
• How is it that taboo issues can get all this awareness but are not supposed to be talked about?
  • One of the many conundrums…
• Vice.com has some interesting short films having to do with global things.  Specifically, their “Vice guide to travel” series is pretty neat.  Not necessarily scholarly…worth checking out.
  • Thanks for the recommendation!  Definitely looking into it!

Student Feedback (Week 09)

My apologies for the short week but I thank you all for your cooperation and patience.

The italicized comments are my responses.  I value all feedback, opinions, and contributions to the classroom.  Thank you for sharing this with me–it helps me address your needs as a section.  Please review these weekly, you’ll find that it benefits you well.  Be intentional when it comes to your education.  

Section 001 (MW)

• I really enjoyed the book.  It made me aware that people come from different places and thus have different views on things, and I should be aware and respectful of the different cultures if and when I travel.  I enjoyed the different types of stories about the north and the south, and about France and California and other places mentioned.  This class continues to open my eyes.
  • I’m really glad to hear that.  Thanks for the feedback!
• I love this class!  One thing I forgot to bring up in our group discussion was how hot-climate individuals didn’t really say how they really felt and the difference between that and cold-climate people who are very blunt.  I feel like communication would be so much better as a whole around the world.
  • Isn’t that an interesting point?  Think about how effective business meetings would be… Actually, think about how much better living situations would be for those with roommates!
• I went to Chicago for spring break and was really surprised about the cultural differences.  After reading Foreign to Familiar, I kind of laughed to myself about how accurate the information was.  After the tenth, “Is that a southern accent I hear?”, I finally asked why it was such a big deal.  They all said the same thing:  They love women from the south and appreciate southern hospitality.  I then realized that only men were the ones reacting and women just looked away and didn’t say anything.  I thought it was so strange that men thought that way.  One man told me that he finds women from Chicago, and the north in general, to be unattractive because of their cold-climate mannerisms.  He said they just weren’t nice.  I made a lot of friends just by being from a different region.  It was very eye-opening.
  • Great example!  Thanks for sharing this! 
• I’ve been looking into organizations like the Peace Corps but I was wondering if you could suggest some others.
  • Check out Teach for America, AmeriCorps, or any other non-profit organizations that work abroad.  There’s also the option of teaching English abroad…
• The book helped put globalization on a personal level.  Although it was generalized, it allowed for individual realizations about subculture backgrounds.

SECTION 006 (TR)

• I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone going abroad or to a different region.
• I liked the book a lot.  I am in an anthropology class and it put different cultures in perspective.
• I always enjoy our group discussions.
  • You all do a fantastic job!  Thanks for sharing your thoughts and ideas together.  It is just as interesting for me.
• Which climate would you prefer?  Hot or cold?  Why?
  • This is a tough one to answer.  While I enjoy living in a hot-climate culture, I also value the directness of cold-climate cultures.  I like getting things done efficiently and effectively.  I also don’t think that cold-climate cultures are necessarily less caring.  Actually, let me travel to a hot-climate culture and then I’ll get back to you… 
• What’s your favorite food?
  • I love pretty much all traditional southeast Asian dishes–anything with spices.  Big fan of curry too.  I also love chimichangas!
• What kind of career can I get with a psychology major and a double minor in sociology and global studies?
  • Not too sure on this, but I would explore working for governmental agencies.  Perhaps as a case manager of sorts looking at different social work cases.  If that doesn’t interest  you, you can always explore working for think tanks looking at various global issues in intelligence agencies.  
• Round circle discussion is awesome!  It is good to see faces as people are talking and vice versa.
  • I agree!  I’ll try to continue these types of discussions more often.
• Awesome discussion, I’m pretty sure everyone talked at least once.  So great job!
  • You all did a great job!
• I grew up in the south and one question I have about colder climates is how do people make friends without the friendly atmosphere being established?
  • Great question–network!  Relationship building starts with one person one at a time, making connections with others… Not the answer you’re looking for probably, but interpersonal skills are so important.

Section 009 (TR)

• The book you assigned was GREAT!  I have retained so much information and am planning on sharing this book with many of my friends, so they can understand why I am the way I am (hot-climate) and to establish a better understanding between us.
• Loved the discussion.  When we do the presentations will  you also bring food?
  • I will not bring any food, but if I think of something easy I’ll try…
• What is your favorite food from Laos?
  • Khao piak sen — it’s a soft noodle dish usually cooked with a chicken broth.
• I really enjoyed the book and noting its (mostly) accurate statements on the different climates.  I especially loved hearing everyone else’s insights on the cultural differences, like Reddy’s.
  • I agree!  Great point on the ‘mostly accurate statements’.  I also enjoy hearing from all of your classmates too.  
• I usually don’t read the entire book that I’m assigned for classes.  But I started reading this book and was really interested and finished it.
  • Ha!  Glad you enjoyed it.  
• This book was a great, easy read.  I love learning about different cultures.  I appreciate your enthusiasm.  Good job.
  • Sorry I wasn’t feeling as enthusiastic as normal!  
• What do you think about a British artist winning so many awards this year?  Does it set fire to your rain?
  • Ha ha…I assume you’re talking about Adele.  She is definitely talented and well deserving of awards earned…good for her.  

Student Feedback (Week 08)

Spring break!  (Is there really anything else more to say?)

The italicized comments are my responses.  I value all feedback, opinions, and contributions to the classroom.  Thank you for sharing this with me–it helps me address your needs as a section.  Please review these weekly, you’ll find that it benefits you well.  Be intentional when it comes to your education.  

Section 001 (MW)

• Great class.  I’m already telling people to take this class next semester.  Honestly one of the classes I look forward to every week.  Thanks!
  • Thanks!  This is very kind.  I appreciate it very much, especially recruiting new students.  Please let me know what I can do better for you.  
• What are some good websites that I can learn more about fistula?
  • Check out endfistula.org.  
• I really enjoyed the documentary, it really played on my heart strings and made me think about things.  How blessed I am to have a job and to be able to pay for things, when people across the ocean are suffering simply over $450.  It’s changing my views on things for the better and to really enjoy the change and look forward to more eye opening experiences!
  • Thanks for sharing!
• All of Foreign to Familiar needs to be read over spring break?  How should we study for the quiz?
  • Yes, all of it.  As long as you can identify the key concepts and characteristics of hot- and cold-climate cultures you will do well.
• Do you teach any classes this summer?
  • Yes, but only the same course currently.  
• Still loving the class.  Thanks for keeping it interesting.   🙂  Starting to think I might change my major.  Again!
  • Visit the Global Studies office in Peck Hall or online.  We’d love to have you join our program!  

SECTION 006 (TR)

• “Things change, people leave, and life doesn’t stop for anybody.”  – Perks of Being a Wallflower
  • Great book!  Thanks for sharing.
• I like that you give us our final project so far in advance that our prior work can contribute to the final project.  If only other courses with papers and projects would do it in a similar way.
  • Thanks for this feedback!  It actually helps me out a lot.  Again, I’m all about learning… Glad that you feel it is helpful the way I set up my course.  Great to know.
• Can we make videos for our final project?
  • Great question!  The answer is YES!  Can’t wait to see it!
• Fistula is obviously a big problem for the women we saw in the documentary.  What are some ways you think it can be talking?
  • Advocacy is probably the most effective way to share information on global health issues.  Policy makers and health professionals seek support all the time, but unfortunately (and fortunately) the individuals that have a platform for sharing this kind of information are often people in the public eye. (i.e. doctors, educators, politicians, and…celebrities.)
• Are you going anywhere special or exciting for spring break?
  • I’ll be tweeting live from San Francisco!  
• What are some local attractions/locations that you suggest visiting?
  • If you’re staying in Nashville–check out the Frist Museum and the Country Music Hall of Fame.   I also really like the Grand Ole Opry, you can check out some amazing shows there.  You don’t even have to be the biggest fan of country music, it’s just an incredible experience to watch live music in a place where so many incredibly talented people have played.  If you’re a foodie like me, check out: Mad Donna’s in East Nashville, and SATCO, Rotier’s, Rumba, and Tin Angel in West End.  
• I really like getting the feedback/comments on the test and assignments rather than just getting a grade.
  • It’s definitely important for me to give as much feedback as possible.  Thanks for being patient with me as I return your course work.  
• @Nashforfree is a Twitter link for free food, free music, etc. in Nashville.
  • I follow them too!  Great resources.
• For a Global Studies minor, can you take GS3010 and the Senior Seminar (GS4990) in the same semester?  Thanks.
  • Generally, there aren’t problems with our students taking it in the same semester, just make sure you meet with an adviser and plan accordingly.  
• Have a great spring break!
  • Oh I will!  You too! 🙂

Section 009 (TR)

• “We don’t always succeed in what we try–certainly not by the world’s standards–but I think you’ll find it’s the willingness to keep trying that matters most.” – Mr. Rogers  When I’m going through a time where I’m thinking why am I doing this or I just want to quit, this quote is what I keep coming back to.
  • This is awesome!  Thank you for sharing this with us.
• The video “A Walk to Beautiful” was definitely eye opening.  Videos like these actually make us aware of the world and show us how blessed we truly are.
• That movie was beautiful.  I found myself getting emotional when they were traveling and the very end when they were “fixed”.
  • It was definitely emotional!  I agree, but it’s so important for us to be aware too.
• In Greek mythology, is Medusa considered a goddess?  Or classified as something else?  What is your favorite color?
  • Medusa is not considered a goddess but a creature.   My favorite color is green, but I generally like all natural-earthy colors.  🙂
• Can our presentation and final research paper be on different topics?
  • Yes
• So pumped for the presentations!  Can’t wait!
  • Love your enthusiasm!  I’m excited too!
• If you’ve never watched Band of Brothers, do so.  It’s an HBO mini-series about Easy Company in WWII.  Yesterday on the news, a member of the actual company, Buck, died.  Many actors attended the funeral.  The series teaches so much about the growth of the US’s involvement worldwide–not only do you see D-Day, Normandy, etc; but also peace talks, locals’ reactions to the soldiers…it’s very moving.
  • Great recommendation!  I don’t have HBO but I’ll look into it!
• Have a great weekend!
  • Have a great spring break!

Student Feedback (Week 07)

You all have completed your first exam!  Take a breather and relax a bit…we will resume learning about culture in the next few weeks.  There will be more opportunities to share information with your classmates and me.

Great job all!  I loved the discussions this week.  Really great to witness such amazing diversity.

The italicized comments are my responses.  I value all feedback, opinions, and contributions to the classroom.  Thank you for sharing this with me–it helps me address your needs as a section.  Please review these weekly, you’ll find that it benefits you well.  Be intentional when it comes to your education.  

Section 001 (MW)

• I love the circle discussions–I feel like it gives everyone a chance to speak up and everyone is facing each other, so everyone is paying attention and respect.
  • Respect is what’s most important in my classrooms!
• Love the group conversations we have.  I like hearing about your personal experiences too!  It’s nice to have a professor who will talk about what they think or what they have been through.
  • I want you to also formulate your own ideas, thoughts, and opinions, but when prompted, I’m happy to share mine.  🙂
• This class has really helped open my eyes and sparked a new thirst to learn more and become more involved in ourworld.
  • Awesome!  So glad to hear this.
• Thank you for coming back to the CPA discussion.
  • You’re welcome.  I enjoyed it just as much as you did.
• I really enjoy listening to everybody’s opinions over culture, race, religion, sexuality… Definitely agree to disagree.
  • Good point!  Important point about agreeing to disagree.
• Wow.  Great discussion.  I didn’t think it would be this informative or intense.  It was…good to see the communication (verbal and non-verbal) within the group when hard topics were introduced.  Part of the lesson, it seems, was learning from each other as well as other cultures.
  • Well said!  Teachable moments are everywhere.
• I love this class!  The cultural discussions are extremely interesting.  Also, the talks about racism and the way people think about other people.  But to realize that I am guilty about thinking about people a certain way, and I should be more aware about what to think, and to really wish other people would as well.  It seems like a simple concept but it is so difficult.
  • It is difficult for everyone.  These are the challenges we encounter daily–not just in our classrooms but worldwide.  Fortunately, one of the best things to help when dealing with racism is dialogue.  Conversations can be educational.
• The discussion today was awesome.  You’ve created a safe, interesting environment for us to discuss openly with one another about our emotions and opinions.
  • It is our classroom and your security and education is my number one priority.  I am glad you are enjoying the course.

SECTION 006 (TR)

• I really enjoyed the discussion today.  It was really cool to hear everyone’s opinions about cultures, races, orientation, etc.  This song reminds me of our discussion:  “Long Way to Go” by Gwen Setefani.
  • Thanks for the recommendation!  For those of you interested, listen to the song here.
• Going off of PTDBTH–There is something called Invisible Children that I forgot about, it is based in Uganda and IDP’s make bracelets and sel them for money in a life where income is rare.  It is really worth looking into.
  • I’ve heard about Invisible Children too.  Check out their website!  
• What types of problems have you ran into racially, and even from racial misidentification?
  • Like others, the problems I’ve ran into personally often have been related to misidentification–where others fail to acknowledge diversity of ethnic origins and cultures.
• It would have been a little more helpful to have known the format of the test ahead of time.
  • I did inform you all.  The question has been asked in class and it was previously listed in Week 05’s Student Feedback.
• Do you experience discrimination/racism while living in the U.S.?  Especially in the South?  Or ignorance toward your nationality specifically?  Confusion about it?  I doubt many people could find Laos on a map.  I couldn’t.
  • Yes, I’ve experienced it before.  Discrimination happens everywhere and is not confined to a local or regional area.  My experience living in the south has been pleasant, for the most part.  There have been instances where that was not the case, but I’ve let it go.  Never let anyone talk down to you–for any reason–and always stand up for your beliefs.  Integrity and values are most important.  
• Where is your favorite country to visit?  And what countries would you recommend to visit?
  • My favorite country that I’ve visited in the past is Scotland.  It’s incredibly beautiful and majestic.  Hike Arthur’s Seat, it’ll be worth your time and it’ll be a memorable experience.  I also recommend visiting Italy and Spain–both beautiful and unique in its own ways.  I just went to Argentina last August and I loved that experience too!  Wherever you go, just have an open mind about it and you’ll enjoy it.
• Nashville Anime Day is a one day convention this Saturday.
  • Thanks for sharing, here’s info on it folks!
• This class is so inspirational.  I feel as though my eyes are opening to the world around me.  Even when I walk across campus I begin to notice all of the different cultures around me.  I came from a very closed-minded community and school, like everyone is so judgmental if you are “different,” so being able to sit in a class and discuss and relate different cultures is just an amazingopportunity.
  •  Thank you for sharing this with me!  It’s really important to acknowledge our differences.  Many of you all shared similar thoughts and feedback, and remember we have a responsibility to pay it forward.  
• Will there be any other extra credit opportunities?
  • Yes!  I’ll announce them as I find them.

Section 009 (TR)

• I really like talking about different cultures and sitting in a circle.  Can we do it again?
  • Absolutely!  I’ll try my best to implement more activities into the course.
• Have a great weekend!  Loved the format of the test.  Keep us posted on more extra credit.
  • I will definitely let you know as soon as I find more opportunities.
• I think it’s very important to understand cultural differences and to share personal experiences to grow culturally and to understand some aspects that maybe we didn’t before coming in.
  • I’m glad you shared this–great points!  I always ask myself at the end of the day, “Did I learn something new today?”
• I think it would have been cool to interview someone from the country we are studying.
  • I’ll see how I can make the projects work together in future semesters.
• Loved how we all digressed to the racism and stereotyping discussion.  I enjoyed hearing everyone’s insights of how they have been judged for who they are.  This class is awesome and you do a good job to connect what we talk about to the course.
  • If there are any times where things seem unclear, please let me know and I’ll do my best to help you connect it all together.
• Some of my Lao friends have Lao names and American names.  Do you have a Lao name too?
  • Yes, my Lao name is Tuck.
• Killed the bonus questions.  #winning
  • Nice!  #education