Pam Shapiro said:
>I guess my question concerns "fair" grading. Is it possible to adhere
>to uniform grading standards? Is it even desirable? I think of
>my students as individuals and see my job as teaching individuals, not
>judging students by the skills and knowledge which they bring to class
>on day one. How do others deal with this?
>
Pam, From your description I think you are doing the correct thing. I
wouldn't do much more than remind the student that 1) your criteria are on
the syllabus and are consistent within the class and 2) you are giving them
the message that you did not find the section in question to be quite to
their usual standards. (I'd probably remind them of the Buckley amendment
and that you cannot discuss other student's work with them and that, in
fact, for them to be discussing their work and evaluations with another
student is, in effect, a violation of both student's civil rights. Of
course, I would do so gently at first but make it clear that I will not
discuss comparisons of others' grades. If the student can make arguments or
discuss why they deverve a better grade with respect to their own work then
I'd discuss it with them.) In my mind you are clearly in the right.
Tim S.
_______________________________________________________
Timothy O. Shearon, PhD
Albertson College of Idaho
Department of Psychology
2112 Cleveland Blvd
Caldwell, Idaho
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
208-459-5840
