My philosophy professor would have a philosophy about grading. Apparently standard grading techniques do not apply to "true thinkers." It turns out the number that he puts on the test isn't actually the grade we receive, just the grade we deserve. So the first 15 minutes of class, I'm staring at my hard earned 17/25, on the verge of tears. I calculated my percent grade on my handy iphone at least 5 times to ensure that I wasn't hallucinating the 68% grade. My whole identity was suddenly only worth a D+. I avoid catching my professor's eye as he sits there in his 30 year old jeans and sweater from a time when he must have been 50 pounds heavier. (it occurs to me now that maybe he doesn't have a wife to get him new clothes... :( hmmm I AM in the market for a professor these days... something to consider.) Anyways, he is sitting there all normal and old looking and says "I'm very pleased with how the midterm went. The class did very well." [I cant bear to listen, I'll just wallow in self pity and indignation]
My brain is trying to process:
it goes a little like this: OMFG! I goto every class, take notes like my life depends on it, AND I thought I knew what I was talking about. How did I possibly get a D+?? There are kids who NEVER come to class, and some just sit there and sleep! WTF. I am going to meet him in his office and tears are going to flow. You can sure as hell bet that I will milk it to get a better grade.
My brain is trying to process:
it goes a little like this: OMFG! I goto every class, take notes like my life depends on it, AND I thought I knew what I was talking about. How did I possibly get a D+?? There are kids who NEVER come to class, and some just sit there and sleep! WTF. I am going to meet him in his office and tears are going to flow. You can sure as hell bet that I will milk it to get a better grade.
"...Infact the average was a 15." [brain freezes at this point, and my ears begin listening to him again] "I'm very pleased with the responses."
Ok. hold the phone. What did he just say?
I ask him to clarify "Dude, how is a failing grade considered good?" (Ok maybe I didn't call him dude)
Well it turns out that he grades us on a scale of comparison against each other. He lines up all the grades and the center one gets a B- then he scales up and down from the point. blah blah blah.
Ok. hold the phone. What did he just say?
I ask him to clarify "Dude, how is a failing grade considered good?" (Ok maybe I didn't call him dude)
Well it turns out that he grades us on a scale of comparison against each other. He lines up all the grades and the center one gets a B- then he scales up and down from the point. blah blah blah.
I've heard all I need to. He revealed that there is a list of our actual grades. I guess the grading gods were generous this round because on the list I have a nice shiny B.
Hallelujah!
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