Job Discussion Forums

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

Well, the shit is starting to hit already. I failed a few students last semester, and one is challenging his grade (this from the class from hell group). Be interesting to see what he brings on Saturday since my records showed he turned in no homework and missed 4 classes (he says differently).

What I am wondering, when do you decide to change a student's grade, if ever? I would especially like to hear from university teachers in Japan, since that is where I am teaching at the moment.

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

I say good for you GA but I imagine you won't be winning a popularity contest. Please tell us how it plays out.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Stick to your guns, otherwise word will get out and everyone you ever fail will try to get their grade changed. Now if the administrator changes it, so be it, nothing you can do. You should establish what the requirements are from the university to pass and present your case showing in fact, the student did not meet those requirements. Just stick to the facts. This way it is the university that is failing him/her, not you. You are going by the rules set up by the university.

tedkarma · Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2006 2:38 am Post subject:

This really depends on your school. At one college in Korea I used to turn in my grades in pencil. Told them to not bother me when they changed grades.

It's what they do - it's cultural. Okay.

Put my wages in my bank account - and do what you want - just don't bother me with it.

One of the fastest ways to get fired is to fight cultural imperatives.

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

White_Elephant · Joined: 02 Sep 2006 Posts: 175

I was warned repeatedly by my fellow co-workers that I could not fail too many students or "they" will have a talk with me and "they'll" change the grades.

Quite a few of my students appealed their midterm grades. The Dean had a nice chat with me and said he supported ME, not them. That semester I failed many students, especially in one class. These were really bad punks who would not be respectful at all. When "they" saw my grade book, "they" were shocked and I just looked very sad. I said, "I'm sorry but these students would not bring their books to class, too many absences and they just will not listen in class. They were really bad students." I didn't fight or try to get defensive (just looked very sad). I never heard another word and "they" seemed to understand.

If you work in a place that doesn't support you in such a case... GET the beep out of there! It's that simple. I don't let people walk all over me. They need me. I can find work anywhere in the world.

TheLongWayHome · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 1016 Location: San Luis Piojosi

The no-fail policy is rife here too, as well as the falsifying attendance policy. I have failed many students and taken pleasure in it. They never speak to me again. One of the reasons being that I know I'll end up teaching students that still can't do the past simple in 'advanced'. Mexico is 'blame the teacher' central though, so you have to be careful. I once failed half a class but still kept my job. If you're a good teacher the school should side with you.

tedkarma · Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2006 1:05 am Post subject:

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

Well, a belated update, I decided to pass my student after he agreed to do the makeup assignments. Basically, he was only a borderline failing grade because he failed to turn in any homework initially. Why, I don't think we'll ever know.

I spoke with my wife about it, and she felt the student had done some self-reflection about his situation as the student later sent me two e-mails pleading to be allowed to do extra work as if he failed this class, he wouldn't be allowed to continue with a loan program at school. Basically, no loans, the kid has to quit school (I of course verified that this was true). I also found out I don't have him this semester, but as he was okay in class, I didn't feel so bad about the whole situation. Admin left the whole decision up to me, which was nice for a change Wink

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White_Elephant · Joined: 02 Sep 2006 Posts: 175

gaijinalways I've done the same thing with boarderline students in the past but I don't have them do makeup work. I think it's alright if you made that a requirement. I've done a lot of things different this semester with my students. One, I don't have much homework because the students tend to cheat. Also, it doesn't seem to produce the type or results that I'm looking for. Furthermore, I keep track of my students in every single class. I check to see that in-class assignments are complete and no one gets to just sit there idle. Students who finish early get to leave early. That's motivation for people. Anyone who's falling slightly behind in my classes, I give them plenty of warnings, consultation etc. I have never changed any grades. I make it clear from day one that I will never do that in the future no matter how much pleading.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Not sure just how borderline your student was, or how much you counted homework for his grades. Based on what you wrote, though, I can understand your decision.

I support the notion, however, of making him do the makeup work. Don't give him a free ride. He'll just expect it in the future, whether in school or his job.

Chris_Crossley

Once I award grades, I never change them. That's the rule.

If my students don't like the grades I award them (apart from for objective tests, that is), tough. They can take the matter up with the principal - who, like me, is English.

So far, nobody has objected to my grading policies this term, not even two students whom I awarded zero for plagiarizing no matter how many times I have warned the whole class of the consequences of doing so.

If the students are remotely serious about wanting to go to the UK next year to do a master's (albeit at their parents' expense, not their own, not surprisingly), they have to obey our (Western) rules and do things our (Western) way, not theirs - or else.

After all, the principal will be the one to write their references to the universities they will be applying to, so they can't afford to make protestations of any kind; they're afraid their references might be unfavourable to them, otherwise.

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

CC,
sounds like you work at a prep school, not a university. But, anyway, I decided to give this student a break this time, and it was made very clear to him that it would be the only time this would be done (I don't have him this semester, so it's not an issue this term). I failed a few students who just missed too many classes, no exceptions for that barring family emergencies (1 student a few semesters ago missed a final due to her brother's death) or being in the hospital.

Glenski, he was 2 points shy of passing, homework was 25% of the grade.

Chris_Crossley