Korean Job Discussion Forums

[drcrazy]

With the cheeting thread, I think we need this one to be fair.

I am teaching an undergraduate course in conversation. The mid-term exam is a presentation done by two students at a time. When it was time for the last pair only one was there. His partner is his best friend and room mate in the dorm. When I asked where his partner was, he said, "He is very sick because he got very drunk last night. But we were not prepared anyway."

When I asked him if his partner would get mad for telling me why he missed, he said his partner told him to tell me that.

So, I was so impressed by their honesty, that I will give them a second chance, but because of the curve, they can not have higher than "C+". Who would ever believe such a thing?????!!!! He could have made up a great excuse for his partner not being there, then, of course I would have given them a second chance and if they were good enough they could have an "A+".

[radish kimchi]

If they made up something worth getting a second chance for an A+, I would want them to show some doctor's notice or school permission slip.

I actually had students coming up asking for my signature claiming they were sick so they couldn't be in class. I replied, "I am a teacher, not a doctor. The doctor should be giving me the sick notice."

They were completely confused after that point and never asked for my signature again.

[chellovek]

Why didn't you quote Isaiah 5:22 at him?

[nicwr2002]

Why would you give a second chance? The other student didn't have the integrity to tell you himself. That shows disrespect right there. I would have just failed them for that.

[Jongno2bucheon]

Yes... Koreans are pretty honest about things like that, and they would understand if you had a similar excuse.

Give them another chance but i say limit it to a b+ max

Remember, they will forever remember your response and their impression of western fairness and honesty lies in your hands

[Mr. BlackCat]

Yes, they were honest because they knew they'd get a second chance and a passing grade. I wouldn't be surprised if they're in your office with tears after the next class begging for a higher grade because that's the system here. It's easy to be honest when there are so little consequences for your actions. The reason university students back home may not be so upfront is because there are rules, and if they lied they'd actually have to prove it. Back home the student just wouldn't have gotten drunk and not shown up class. If he did, he would have failed. I'm not sure why we should be congratulating a student for being so irresponsible and then getting his buddy to fool you into rolling over for them. It sort of just proves the opposite point you were trying to make.

[drcrazy]

[drcrazy]

[Jongno2bucheon]