Hello,
After I checked what my final grade would be according to the grades on D2L, I realized I would be .3 points away from a solid C in the class. I wanted to ask you if you would consider that fact that I tried to do better in the class by doing the extra credit that was provided. I realize I did not do the first few D2L assignments, I did not realize they were due. I did improve in my writing throughout the sememester. I truly did put in a lot of effort on my research paper. It would mean greatly to me if I would get a C in this class.
Stephanie
I find this email utterly astonishing, though I’m not sure why. What is ".3 points"? What is a "sememester"? She put a lot of effort into the research paper, which does not explain the D she earned on it, nor does it explain why she didn't bother to do the annotated bibliography assignment (15 annotated sources, due the week before the research paper) which was worth 15 points. Little Stephanie had a 69.4% D prior to adding in the points for the revision portfolio assignment (20 for collecting the semester’s graded work and writing a self-reflective letter to me). After this, she has 70.8%, which is a C- and not a passing grade. She will have to retake the course, and thank God at least one of my sections for next fall is already full--and hopefully by the time she realizes it, the other one will be too.
What floors me is the sheer effrontery contained in this email. Stephanie’s revision portfolio did not contain a revision (students were given the option to revise, for a probable higher grade, any ONE of their previous 3 papers). Her paper grades were D+/C-/B/ (and a D on her research paper, which was not included in the revisions). She did not take advantage of the opportunity to revise EITHER of her two low-grade papers, which might have raised her into C range. She is missing 35 points for assignments she didn’t complete. The extra credit? I offered points for attending a talk related to the course topic and doing a brief one-page write up. She did it, but it’s not enough. Never mind all those missed classes, either. This is the same snowflake who emailed me last week to find out when the final was (I didn't respond to that one either).
And she wants a C.
WTF is wrong with these people?
I so want to respond with "ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?" but I just don't have the energy. I still have lit exams and creative writing portfolios to grade.
I'm not sure if that's better or worse than the one I got today
ReplyDeletewhat was the top score and average on the final and how can I see what I missed on the test?
Look kid, there's only 500 points possible in the class you've got 493 of them. Chill. Seriously.
A simple "Dear Snowflake, If you wanted a/n ___ in the course, you needed to earn it through the course assignments." can be VERY satisfying.
ReplyDelete@ DiaMC
ReplyDeleteI actually just did that! :)
"Dear Prof A&S ... can I have extra credit?"
"Dear Flakey de Flake Flake,
There is plenty of credit IN the course with the work we have.
Honestly, given the amount of work already present, I've never understood the logic in asking for more work, if previous work hasn't been up to the standard of the class or the desired grade level of the student."
I was stunned silent when the student replied with a simple "understood".
It strikes me as oddly satisfying when the student proves their worth by trying (and failing) to do basic math.
ReplyDeleteFollowing along Monkey's train of thought...
ReplyDelete"Dear Stephanie:
Because of FERPA and privacy issues, I cannot discuss your grade via e-mail, but I will tell you that your math is inaccurate.
Good luck with your future classes.
Hugs,
Prof. Chrome"
I am not joking and don't call me Shirley.
ReplyDeleteThat reminds me. I'm not checking my email again tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteBut it would mean greatly to her! Very greatly!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I flaked off as an undergrad and I handed things in late or not at all but I took my Fs like a man. Adult. Whatever. I understand not doing the work. What I don't understand is not doing the work and still expecting to pass.
ReplyDeleteI always tell my students on the first day of the semester: "I don't *give* grades. You *earn* them." I remind them of this at end-of-semester as necessary.
ReplyDelete@M84
ReplyDeleteI do that too ... and the ol' "My briefcase attended every class but I'm pretty sure is just as stone cold stupid today as it was on Day 1"
Nevertheless, I just had to respond to a student's complaint that the feedback I provide in assignments is "mean."
Sorry, didn't realize that writing "Unnecessary" next to the transcribed instructions to the assignment would hurt your feelings.
Or pointing out that the assignment was about hamster fur weaving but you chose to write about goat hair macramé. Both useful skills. But hardly interchangeable.
This is all particularly infuriating because -- as I have posted elsewhere -- my work has suffered this term due to some medical issues. But an almost equal factor in slowing my work has been the inordinate amount of time I've had to spend addressing that usual whiny 10% of students who, this term, felt my situation somehow gave them cover for their flakiness.
Hold the phone -- a C minus is failing?!?!? Oy, my students would be in a world of hurting. At Midwestern Miracle University, a D minus will get you credit. D- = 1 less dumbass I have to teach again next time.
ReplyDeleteIf it's a C wall course this might happen, but even then usually a C- passes.
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ReplyDeleteAll-
ReplyDeleteIn my system, a C is considered passing for credit in English Composition. A C- means the student will have to retake it, as the credit will not transfer, nor will it count toward the degree.
When I started in the system, a C- was passing. My department argued that it should be a solid C to stay in line with our transfer institutions, so it was raised.
I agree, frankly. A C is average. You don't have to be a great writing genius to get a C. All you have to do is follow directions and do the goddamned work, frankly.
A "sememester" (portmanteu of "Semen" and "Semester") is where a female or male student literally whores themselves out to the instructor hoping to get a better grade; aka what the desperately stupid pull to be on top (no pun intended.)
ReplyDelete