As I am correcting my stacks of final projects, papers and portfolios in these last days of school, I keep reading and hearing a common theme among students when it comes to grades received on work done. This theme is: If I worked really hard and put a lot of effort into an assignment, I deserve and should get an A.
But realistically is that true? I think not.
In the real world, one is expected to work hard and put effort into "assignments" and, at the same time, do what is required. If a student puts much effort into doing an assignment but does a bad job at meeting the requirements of an assignment, does that student really deserve an A? Has he or she really earned it?
Need examples?
1. If, as a teacher, I spent a lot of time and effort and worked really hard at making my room look nice and really getting to know my kids, but did not teach what was required of me, should I keep my job?
2. In advertising, people work really hard and put a lot of effort into creating campaigns for a customer, but if that campaign does not fit the demands and requirements set by the customer, should they be paid?
3. If a mechanic works really hard at repairing a car, but gets only one done in the time it takes others to do five, should that mechanic be paid the same wage?
4. If an engineer puts a project he/she received weeks earlier off (procrastinates) until the last minute, and then does all the work in one night (staying up all night to do it), but creates an inadequate project, lacking in the detail and requirements necessary, should he or she keep that job?
I do agree that some who work hard and put in adequate effort and do a great job, earn and deserve the good grades they receive, but to equate hard work and deserving a good grade because of hard work is a fallacy that many hold. Effort grades are given in elementary school and not in high school for a reason. In life after high school and tech school and college, there are few effort grades given.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
Teachers with energy or teacher with experience
Interesting story with an interesting dilemma: would you rather have a teacher with lots of energy or one with lots of experience teaching?
Are Redfield AP courses only for those certain few?
According to an article by educational journalist and blogger Jay Mathews, many people see AP courses in some schools as having problems. Do you see these problems in our school's AP classes?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)