Going to college
Two weeks before the school semester ends, some first year students come to see you and asking, begging, or crying on how to raise their grade so they could pass the course. Some cite health reasons; others have excuses such as they must work to support their family etc. Most make the pleas that in high schools, teacher often change their grades a little bit to allow them to pass the course.
For most college professors, this situation is common especially with first year students. They never came when they did not do well in homeworks or quizzes but always come and ask for forgiveness at the last day before you enter their final grade. Professor's act differently depends on their views. Some are very strict, other are more leniency. To avoid this situation, I make it clear at the beginning of the class that “This is NOT a high school” as things are different and students must be “responsible for their study”. I have clear policy for homeworks, attendance requirements, pre-class reading assignments, and grading. I often start my first class with a survey where students do not have to put their name in it so they can feel comfortable in answering the questions. I compile the answers and use it for the discussion of my expectations for the class. This is an effective technique to avoid last minute situation as commonly seen in every college.
1) How many days were you absent during your last year of high school?
2) Was it easy to have “excused” absences in your school?
3) Were you allowed to retake the work missed, including tests?
4) How many hours did you study per week?
5) Which subjects required the most homework?
6) Have you keep track of your grade by checking with the teacher or via the school's website?
7) If your grade was not as high as you wanted, could you re-do assignments and tests to improve the grade?
8) Please describe your expectation for this college class and what grade you would like to get?
By having a discussion that college is NOT like high school, we can then change their mindsets for college success. They should understand that pre-class reading is a requirement. They must know that class discussion is part of their grade. They should know that homeworks and quizzes grades are final and attendance is required, any absence must be put in writing and be excused by professor. They should know in order for them to get certain grade, they must follow the instructions as their grades are listed in class website and updated weekly so they can follow their progress. Students should know very early that by going to college, they must expect a difference because college should be different.
Sources
- Blogs of Prof. John Vu, Carnegie Mellon University
