This week’s reading “Academic Symbiosis – A manifesto on tenure and promotion in Asian American studies” by Wei Ming Dariotis discusses the need for academic symbiosis. Academic symbiosis is “the antithesis of academic competition, hierarchy, and parasitism” (Valverde & Dariotis, 389), which encourages a community that shares and is supportive. Personally, I feel that a bit of competition is necessary in the academic environment. A good amount of competition drives students to do their best, and I think the same applies for professors. However, one can only achieve their best when they collaborate with others. Everyone has their own strengths and talents that can be used to help others. For example, students who are strong in the sciences can clarify certain concepts to their friends. Professors can share their teaching methods with one another, such as how to keep a class engaged. Professors who have achieved tenure can advise their colleagues on the process. In addition, having a community that supports you and not shame you when you make mistakes is important in improving yourself. When people let go of their fear of failure, they are more willing to try new things, which would allow them to learn more. Instead of seeing each other as merely competitors, those in academia should see each other as resources and recognize the invaluable amount of knowledge that their peers have. Achieving your goals become easier and better when you share and work together with people.
Question: How do we encourage academic symbiosis in educational institutions?
References:
Valverde, K.-L. C., & Dariotis, W. M. (2020). Fight the tower: Asian American women scholars resistance and renewal in the academy. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press.
Parker, C. (2014, September 15). Stanford research shows that working together boosts motivation. Retrieved from https://news.stanford.edu/news/2014/september/motivation-walton-carr-091514.html
No comments:
Post a Comment