Finishing Strong

With the last day of class for this semester coming soon, we are all doubtless thinking about final exams, grades, and our big projects looming ahead over the summer. May I offer what seems to me to be a timely suggestion for your consideration?

Christian faculty members—who are thoughtful, respectful, and sensitive, and also courageous—really have only two optimum and unassailable times to share their concern for ultimate values and decisions with their students. Sure, there may be the occasional question in class, the one-on-one chat in the office or lab, or a conversational meeting on campus.

But only on the first day and last day of a semester’s class does the opportunity seem quite natural and rather appropriate—while introducing oneself, getting acquainted, and stating generalities about the course; and when summarizing themes in the course, considering larger issues still unresolved, and sincerely wishing students all the best in what they pursue.

In All Its Enigmas

The essence of true education that fosters critical thinking about life in all its enigmas is at stake here. And students want it, expect it, or at least can tolerate it, at these times. Many approaches are possible—quotations from others, examples from one’s own life or the lives of others, etc.

During my 35 years teaching at the University of Texas, in my first class period I said something about my conversion and priorities in life in conjunction with autobiographical comments, in the context of what the students and I should expect from one another. I also asked students to give me some information in return that would help me understand their background, perspectives, and goals.

In the final class period, I would usually talk about fundamentals and what was really important beyond passing the course. For some time I quoted segments from Solzhenitsyn’s “A World Split Apart”—but C.S. Lewis is a good source, of course.

They’ll Remember

The best comment came from a student who wrote on a course evaluation something like—“When Dr. Davis alluded to his Christian faith, I was prepared for the worst. But I found he was respectful of every student and one of the most thoughtful professors I’ve had.” Smashing stereotypes is what we are about, right?

Some students may remember this statement as much as, or more than, what we have tried to communicate all semester long. The point is to make this final challenge your own, even if it shows you as vulnerable. Humbling? Yes. But lasting.