Korean Job Discussion Forums

[hari seldon]

I loved the bell-shaped curve when I was a university student. I knew if I performed better than my classmates that I'd be rewarded. I enjoyed the competitive aspect. And, it's an excellent deterrent to grade inflation.

[skinsk05]

Yeahhh!

Thanks to all who took the time to respond. I guess the foreign administrator really did do his best for me because they granted it for this class! I have requested only (non-curve) conversation next year, giving up a junior writing class that as an elective, I felt might incur the same problem next semester. I'm a believer in choosing my battles, but better to avoid those I can anticipate.

At any rate, I am again loving my school, not because it's perfect, but because it took the time to listen and make a decision (that supports it's own mission and vision as told to us at orientation) and because in the end, they trusted me and my ability to more accurately assess my students than a machine!

Meanwhile, a few B students whined, but at least in my heart I knew those were whining about Bs they earned (the C students didn't; the F students didn't show up, much as they didn't before grades were given).

Yes, grading is probably the best part of the job, especially in such a subjective subject, and probably moreso in ESL than when grading native speakers. The curve may make it easier, but I was told it didn't apply and I told/taught my students as though it didn't. I cannot teach knowing that I am setting up students to try try try knowing it won't matter.

I'm glad I didn't back down, and I can sleep tonight!