I am Red. I was an avid fan of RYS, and then moved over to College Misery. I’ve commented on posts and finally requested posting rights. I teach largish (n=400) at an R1 university in FarFlungFormerColony.
For the most part our UG students are resigned to being nameless members of large classes and we only occasionally get emails or visits during our 1-hour per week consultation times. But every year I get the odd, and I mean literally ODD student who bugs me so often you’d think he was paying me to personally tutor him.
For example, a recent test essay asked which of two hamster raising methods would be recommended, given a few stated decision factors (all of which pointed to option A- yeah I know but I knew I’d be away at a conference so I wanted the choice to be unambiguous to avoid arguments). My feedback document explained clearly why Option A was the better option but explained that a portion of the available marks could be earned by those who chose Option B, depending on the quality of their justification for option B.
It also explained the usual procedures by which students could request that I personally review their essay (which was graded by teaching assistants under my supervision) and when I would next be available to consult with them in person. As soon as the essay marks were released, the following email interchange ensued.
Tiresome Tim: When I can I see you?
Red: As announced in class and via email, I am away at a conference this week, please come to my office next Monday anytime between 10-4.
Tiresome Tim: I’m not happy with my mark. I chose Option B and did a wonderful job of my answer yet to my surprise I only got a B+ for my essay.
Red: The correct answer was Option A as explained in the feedback document.
Tiresome Tim: Why no marks for Option B?
Red: As explained, even if you chose the wrong option, you could obtain some marks for Option B, depending on the quality of your reasoning and justification for your choice.
Tiresome Tim: So why didn’t I get marks?
Red: You did get marks. B+ is a very good grade given you had the wrong answer.
Tiresome Tim: I want a higher grade
Red: I can understand how you feel, and I’ll take a look at your answer in my office next week, but that’s a decent grade given that you chose the wrong answer.
Tiresome Tim: Give me feedback on why I only got a B+.
Red: You only got a B+ because you recommended the wrong option.
Tiresome Tim: How can I do better?
Red: choose the right option.
Tiresome Tim: when I can I see you to discuss this?
Oh the saints preserve us from the stupid!!!!!!!
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