Expectations for Students

The Eight-Fold Path for Student Success

Buddhism offers the "eight-fold path" for guidance toward spiritual enlightenment. Here is my version of these eight guidelines for doing well in any course you take with me:

Right Understanding: Knowledge and understanding of the course content counts, however, it is merely a beginning. Learning is more than simply memorizing facts and repeating them back on exams. Read your textbook and pay attention when you do. Pay attention to class lectures and discussions and take notes. If you don't understand something, ask. 

Right Motivation: Be internally rather than externally motivated in your studies: do it because you want to learn, not because you "have to" do the assignment. If some other project will motivate you more, propose it to me - I may just say OK!

Right Speech: Participate in class discussions. Ask questions, share personal insights with your classmates and with me. But be respectful of differing opinions and viewpoints as you do so. 

Right Action: Complete all your assignments in a timely manner. Attend class sessions on a regular basis. Be on time to class sessions and do not leave early. Do not be a disruption in class.

Right Livelihood: If you are a full-time student that is a full-time job. Do not attempt to work full time and take a full load of courses at the same time. Balance your commitments to school, work, family, and fun

Right Effort: Effort is both physical and mental. Apply yourself to your studies. Effort counts! (I mean it - I will give half credit just for completing an assignment but I will not give any credit for assignments that are not even attempted.) Give yourself time to do an assignment well. Trying to dash it off the night before, at the last minute, is not applying your best effort. Effort (or lack thereof) will affect the final results of any project or assignment you work on. 

Right Mindfulness: Be attentive in class, apply yourself to your work. "Be here, now" - do not let your mind wander, be focused on what is going on in the classroom, be focused when you do your reading, be focused when you work on your assignments.

Right Meditation: Reflect on what you are learning, internalize it, process it in your own unique way.