Classroom Lingo

What the professor says: in quotes
What it means: plain text

First day of class

"Ten percent of your grade is based on class participation."
I'll be fudging your grades.

"My office hours are by appointment only."
I like to get out of here early.

"Bring the text to class."
I don't have a clue how to lecture - we'll just kill time with group read-alongs.

"Attendance is required and will be counted in your grade."
I'm so boring, no one would show up otherwise.

"The tests will all be multiple-choice."
I take questions directly from the study guide, and have grad students do all my grading.

"Everyone will prepare in-class oral presentations."
This course is outside my specialty - I'll just bluff it and let you teach.

"There are two TAs available to help you."
I can't be bothered.

"The second list is optional reading."
I have a rich fantasy life.

During lectures

"Before we begin the lecture for today, are there any questions about the previous material?"
Has anyone opened the book yet?

"Today we'll let a member of the class lead the discussion. It will be a good educational experience."
I stayed out too late last night and didn't have time to prepare a lecture.

"Today we are going to discuss a most important topic."
Today we are going to discuss my dissertation.

"The gist of what the author is saying is what's most important."
I don't understand the details either.

"You'll have to see me during my office hours for a thorough answer to your question."
I don't know.

"In answer to your question, you must recognize that there are several disparate points of view."
I really don't know.

"The implications of this study are clear."
I don't know what it means, either, but there'll be a question about it on the test.

"Unfortunately, we haven't the time to consider all of the people who made contributions to this field."
I disagree with what roughly half of the people in this field have said.

"We'll have to cover this chapter quickly."
I screwed up on the lecture schedule.

"Any questions?"
I'm ready to let you go.

During tests

"Don't write on the question sheet."
I'm so lazy I just use the same exams every semester.

"The test scores were generally good."
Some of you managed a B.

"Let's go over the exam."
Half of you failed.

"Well, it was on the syllabus."
You're responsible for this, even though I forgot about it myself.

"It was in the textbook."
I pulled it out of my ass.

The last day

"It's been very rewarding to teach this class."
I hope they find someone else to teach it next year.