The Mentality of Entitlement
Grades are a funny thing.
This NY Times article (I read that a lot don't I?) talks about senses of entitlement concerning grades in student mentalities.
“I tell my classes that if they just do what they are supposed to do and meet the standard requirements, that they will earn a C,” he said. “That is the default grade. They see the default grade as an A.”
That sums it up more or less. Now, while I don't disagree with the view of the professor's in this article, something about the way it was structured makes me sympathize with the students:
“I think putting in a lot of effort should merit a high grade,” Mr. Greenwood said. “What else is there really than the effort that you put in?”
and
“If you put in all the effort you have and get a C, what is the point?” he added. “If someone goes to every class and reads every chapter in the book and does everything the teacher asks of them and more, then they should be getting an A like their effort deserves. If your maximum effort can only be average in a teacher’s mind, then something is wrong.”
Reading their statements almost makes me want to say, "hey, they're right." but when I think critically and extract the emotions I feel, I know they're wrong. So, you MAY put in 100%, that does not mean you deserve a high grade. You could try as hard as you can, and still not grasp or fully achieve that status necessary. http://www.livejournal.com/update.bml
That said, the point was that I find the writing of this article inexplicably funny, because I agreed with sides of the argument and different intervals, because of the emotional attachment.
Another point that I think this article missed, is that there are FAR more students with a annoying sense of entitlement. I've met people who don't do anything, and still expect to pass. It becomes a game to them of seeing how little they can do and manipulate the teacher into getting what they want. It's easy and it's annoying. Teachers look at students, and they give chance, after chance, AFTER CHANCE, and students push that kindness as much as they possibly can.
Granted, I have no idea what it's like in college, still being in high school myself, but this is VERY visible in my school. Maybe it's my region or maybe it's all over, but I see students smirk and laugh in class, I see them do NOTHING and expect to pass and pass well.
I recall this one girl in particular who perhaps showed up for class late EVERY SINGLE DAY. She said nothing in class, and turned NOT ONE paper in. NOT ONE. And the girl had the nerve to decide that she deserved at least a 50%, You do not deserve a 50% for turning in nothing and showing up incredibly late every day. You don't. Her grade, according to my teacher's calculations accumulated to a 0.02 (or something similar) at the end of the year.
So, the lesson? Earn your grades. Don't bitch, don't moan, don't complain. Earn your grades, and, yes, give your all, but don't expect to get wonders because you did your best -- quality is a big deal. I know that sounds harsh, but it's true.
~I need to stop reading articles, it makes me want to talk about them.