Hi All

 

I would guess we all get emails like this today. I do not know about being “harder” or “gentler” on such writers, however. I think it often comes down to the Weberian notion of “Social Interactions”.

 

If interaction is about understanding relationships, and making sure we each share the same meanings and understandings, then perhaps as educators, we should make it known (gently sometimes, forcefully at other times) that we and our students often do not in fact share the same understandings of how the real world works beyond the confines of the university. For example, I routinely tell my students (in the syllabus as well as orally) that grammar and syntax matter, and that as high school graduates, I have a right to expect them to be able to communicate in proper English (ignoring syntax issues related to urban youth cultures, and non-natives for the moment).

 

I think the “tell” here is that you told your student that his/her style was unacceptable except among friends (implying you do not perceive the student as a friend). As a teacher, you certainly have every right, and perhaps a moral obligation, to hold your students to professional standards that will increase their labor market opportunities in the future, and to demand that your students write in formal English. For example, if this student were to write such emails at their future work site, they may not be promoted over others who write professionally.

 

SO as long as you are truly looking out for your student’s best interest, I do not think you were too harsh.

 

Peace to all.

 

 

Robert J. Hironimus-Wendt, Ph.D.
Sociology and Anthropology
Western Illinois University
1 University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455-1390
phone: (309) 298-1081
fax: (309) 298-1857
email:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

 

"It doesn't matter how strong your opinions are. If

  you don't use your power for positive change, you

  are indeed part of the problem, helping to keep

  things the way they are."     -Coretta Scott King

 


From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Michael Klausner
Sent: Friday, May 19, 2006 11:15 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: TEACHSOC: An e-mail from a student...

 

I received this e-mail from a student who was in my class last term. I replied that the horrendous punctuation, grammar, spelling was not appropriate when communicating with anyone except friends, perhaps.

 

Even then, it would not be appropriate. Should I have been “harder”, “easier” on him?

 

Comments welcome

 

 

 

 

you were right when u said u wanted to see me again ahaha.. i was wonderign when ur classes were for fall semester so i can see if i can retake ur class.. get back to me when you can

                                         sincerly,



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