Q: Does it bother you when a student argues about a grade?
A: It depends.
Naturally, no one is perfect, and teachers make mistakes while grading. I've made them, for sure. When that happens, I don't have any problem with someone pointing it out. I don't have any ego involved; I want to have the proper grade on a test, assignment, or paper. It's only fair to my students.
Of course, not every grade issue is so black and white. Students don't like to hear this, and lots of teachers don't like to admit it, but there's definitely a subjective component to grading papers, essays, and presentations. Naturally, some students think that their performances are not accurately reflected in the grades they receive. And you know, I understand where that comes from. I know how important grades seem to be (and often are). I know how difficult it is to put forth a lot of effort and then have someone tell you that your work simply isn't up to snuff. In more subjective situations, there can be room to argue finer points. Usually, though, your teachers know what they're talking about in these situations, and arguing a subjective point is a waste of breath. If your teacher is professional and worth her or his salt, the grade you see for a more subjective assignment is a good reflection of the quality of the work submitted. And that's just that; looks like there aren't any loose ends.
Oh, wait. There's one huge loose end—grade-grubbers.
You know the ones I'm talking about: the people who argue the grades they get on every quiz, homework assignment, paper, test, project, and any other imaginable evaluation. Yeah, those people can try my patience. But, because I know I'm not perfect, and (as noted) I know just how important grades can be, I listen to them. Maybe they have legitimate concerns. So I'll pay attention to their arguments, and consider whether or not they have any merit.
But I damn sure don't put them on my Christmas card list.
Have you ever argued a grade?
Mr. Toche taught statistics, sociology, and human sexuality to college students for four years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He saw, learned, and experienced more horrors than you can well imagine in that time.
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Related post: Are You Obsessed With Grades?
Topics: teachers, grades, School, ask a teacher
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