The next class he tells us that question 19 half the class answered wrong and half answer correctly. I am apart of the half that got it correct, and my friend got it wrong. He then told us that he would curve the exam according to that question. Figuring he was going to give everyone an extra 4 points, I emailed him when I saw my grade stayed the same and my friend got an extra 4 points (essentially for answering wrong). I wasn't rude or harsh in my email, I simply explained my confusing on why people who answered wrong are getting rewarded with 4 points. He answered my email in all CAPS with "I'M THE BOSS. GRADE GRUBBING IS NOT BECOMING." I replied trying to better explain my reasoning and assure him that I'm not trying to be rude. This time his email was even nicer. Notice how he puts words in my mouth and says I worked harder than other people.
Actually, Michelle, you've changed your story now. In your first objection, you simply wanted 4 more points for EVERYONE, as a curve. Your concluding sentence: "I think everyone should receive an extra 4 points to their grade. A curve, like you said in class."
Now, in your revised story, you don't think EVERYONE should get 4 points because you believe not everyone worked as hard as you did. Flip-flop. Not that it matters one bit; I am the boss and I have made my decision --correctly. I have correctly decided that both answers a and e could reasonably be interpreted as correct. I did NOT give students who answered b, c, or d any credit on number 19. I do not ever GIVE points; students EARN points.
Now, let me kindly suggest that you NOT reply further, unless it is to say, concisely and precisely, "I'm sorry professor, I now see that you are correct."
Well I replied, not exactly how he requested, though. I said I'm sorry you misunderstood me. I just don't see how he can decide to reward people will a wrong answer. He says I do not ever GIVE give points; students EARN points", then how does he explain GIVING 4 points out of sympathy?
The points are not so much of an issue now, instead I'm bothered with how he replied to me. Not only was it extremely rude, but unprofessional. Am I wrong to have asked "the boss" about his actions on adjusting our grades? Maybe I was out of line.
To me it makes sense that the people who got the other answer (a or e) should get points. If he only awarded points to the people who chose a and then, after reconsideration decided those who chose e were also correct, then they should also receive points. I do understand this logic though the reply is ridiculous. It is wrong for a teacher to answer a truly innocent question with an attitude. Though he attempted to explain his reasoning he went about it in the wrong way. I agree with you on that.
ReplyDeleteWow! I thin it is quite "unbecoming" that he chooses not to even try to see things from your point of view. It sounds like he thinks he is talking to and out of control 10 year old. "...because I said so." Power trip much?
ReplyDeleteI think I understand what you were trying to say. You were trying to say that if he was going to give extra points to those who got it wrong he should curve everyone's grade, or curve no grade at all. I also think he was in the line of thinking that the question could be interpreted two ways and only those who chose one of the two answers got points for it. But instead of explaining this to you he went on a power trip as though you were questionning his authority.
I don't think you were out of line. I think he just misunderstood what you were saying to him.
I completely agree with everyone here. He should NOT blow up like that; he is the adult...let's act our age a little? I have always heard the phrase there are no stupid questions only stupid answers and he is the epitome of stupid answers. But it is true, if he is going to give people 4 points for getting it wrong...then everyone should be getting the 4 points since why should the people in the wrong get rewarded?
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, you need to get over it. He's a professor of a lecture class. He gets shit so often from students, he doesn't care anymore. In lecture classes, especially large ones, you are a number. All he cares about is keeping his class on schedule, going home to a couple drinks, and doing it again the next day.
ReplyDeleteI'm not saying don't email him period. If you need to know when something is due, or do not understand a certain subject he has taught and would like further explaining, by all means shoot him an e-mail. When it comes to grades, and stuff, don't even bother.
I had another professor who was very very unhelpful. When you would ask him about something confusing, he would act as if you were stupid and say something like "If you paid more attention, you would understand." When you would ask other students, you found that at least 3/4 of the class didn't get it either. I know that at least 2/3 of his class failed, but he has tenure, and it is supposed to be a "weeding class" or one so hard that students who arent totally devoted to teaching back out. I think that's all a load. Your professor was beyond rude. Keep copies of all the emails, and if he ever crosses the line to being unfair or totally hostile, stay polite as you are, calm and collect all correspondence, and take it to the dean. They will listen if you have evidence.
ReplyDeleteMan, that does sound like a harsh teacher. I've had a few of those in my days. Luckily, I am usually the one who gets the extra points and don't have to confront the professor. But if I were in your shoes, I would have done the same. Those four points might be the deciding factor whether or not you get an A or a B, a B or a C, etc. This is just one of those times where you got your hands tied behind your back.
ReplyDeleteUGGHHH people suck. I agree with Musing, take that his boss. :P cus hes not the "Boss" if he has a "Boss".
ReplyDeleteHe's a dick. People are rude and don't know how to have a civilized conversation, wow. I'm still stunned that he called himself the boss.
ReplyDeleteOn the other side of the spectrum, though he said it in a rude unnecessary way, i agree with him that essentially only those who missed the question because of it's bad wording should get the points because of how difficult it was and if he awarded those who got it right then you are getting double the points for no reason.