<p>I took a low-div writing class last quarter with a very picky instructor. As a second language speaker, my writing wasn't as good as the natives. I could understand that the instructor was a tough grader, he gave us a lot of extremely low grade just because we missed a little thing in the whole assignment. For example, if we turned in our hw online, but didn't bring a copy to class, he automatically gave us zero even though it's obviously that we turned it in online and on time. </p>
<p>Well, there were a lot of things like that happened in this course. But that's not my main point.I think it's his rules for the class, so I can't just say he's unfair because of this. </p>
<p>The class is a very time consuming research paper class which everyone spends a lot of time on it almost everyday. As a second language speaker, I put more effort into the class than my classmates. I found tutors and stuff as the instructor told me to. But, he's still not satisfied with my effort. Maybe my writing was still not as good as the others, but I really tried hard to catch up with others even though I got some "zeros" in my first few assignments ( Not I didn't do them, but I missed a little things..). My grade finally turn to be like a 71% total. The range for C is 72% or above. And my instructor told us that if we do an evaluation for him, he would give us 2~3% extra credit.
However, although I did it, he still gave me a C-( which is not passing). The reason for this grade was because "he thinks I still need more practice"... Well, I admit that my writing isn't that good, but the math is there, I would be passing with the extra credit. I did it but got no credit. </p>
<p>Do you think this instructor is unfair? What can I do about it? (seems like he's not going to change my grade!)THANKS!</p>
<p>I dunno…if you feel that you need to have your grade readjusted, then justify it with your professor or go straight to the dean (as my dad would say). It seems you try really hard and your professor has very high expectations. Perhaps he should give you more sympathy? I don’t know.</p>
<p>Go to your advisor and find out what your options are, at your college. You may be able to retake and have the improved grade (a different prof, ok?) on your record. If you don’t have an advisor, go to the student academics office (or whatever your school calls it) and nicely ask what your options are. Good luck.</p>
<p>I know what you were trying to say and I agree. However, in this case, he said we would receive the extra credit if we do it. However he didn’t give it to me. That’s a different story I guess. thanks for replying though.</p>
<p>Thanks! I guess I will talk to the dean about this. I just really think my effort worth at least a passing grade. That professor really doesn’t have any compassion He’s happy to see his students suffering.</p>
<p>I think it’s pretty bad of him to say one thing, then do another, but I suppose that’s his prerogative. If you’re really that upset (and you definitely sound it), then absolutely go to the Dean.</p>
<p>You also might want to consider that he’s doing this in your best interest, and that maybe you do need extra practice. Just playing devils advocate!</p>
<p>For example, if we turned in our hw online, but didn’t bring a copy to class, he automatically gave us zero even though it’s obviously that we turned it in online and on time.</p>
<p>Does the syllabus say that you must turn in a hard copy? If so, he’s well within his rights to give you a zero, because you did not appropriately turn in the assignment.</p>
<p>But, he’s still not satisfied with my effort. Maybe my writing was still not as good as the others, but I really tried hard to catch up with others even though I got some “zeros” in my first few assignments</p>
<p>Well, you answered your own question. Effort does not translate into grades; most students in the class work “really hard.” It’s admirable that you are attempting to work hard to get a good grade, but you actually have to turn out good work, too. If you writing is not as good as the others’…that’s why you have a C. This is, after all, a writing class: why would he pass you in a writing class if you cannot write?</p>
<p>I grade papers and I grade my non-native speakers on the same scale that I grade my native speakers. My reasoning for this (and everyone else I know who does this, who is pretty much all the other professors and TAs here) is that they attend an English-speaking school and will presumably be getting English-speaking internships and opportunities. They, therefore, need to be able to read and write English adequately. This is a rigorous school and the only way for them to get better is for me to comment on their writing and motivate them to get better, not pass their mediocre skills.</p>
<p>As someone who has been on the other side…be careful going to the Dean. It may backfire on you. Most professors keep good records for at least a full semester after they finish teaching a course, and if your writing isn’t up to par - not only will the Dean probably not be able to do anything for you, but you may be taken less seriously when you have an actual legitimate grade complaint.</p>
<p>To Juillet,
thanks for replying me!
I see what you are saying with the homework assignments. I’m not really complaining about his grading policy at this point. But it’s obvious my grade could become a solid C, but he refused to give me the extra credit that I deserved. =/</p>
thanks for replying though.</p>