Moral question

[Andrea's Mom]

It's always interesting to me to see how hard students would be on each other if they were the teacher. Ya'all are tough!

All points made in this discussion are valid and represent thoughtful consideration of the dilemma.

I'll weigh in as a teacher. I too am guilty of punishment assignments. It is very irritating to put effort into planning meaningful lessons and have students blow them off. It is tempting to act on the "I'll get them" reaction.

That being said, it appears unclear whether not grading the assignment meant it was not required. Does this teacher often give required assignments that are not graded? Many times, punishment assignments are just busy work, but this teacher took the time to craft a lesson with clear expectations.

Straying from the syllabus at this time of the year is the problem. Everyone is stressed out and has their time scheduled down to the minute. Students work, have other assignments and exams they are preparing for. Also, if 300 points is a significant percentage of the overall points, the assignment deserves more time for consideration.

I hate to say things aren't fair - I've been telling my daughters since they were little kids that life isn't fair and that you need to learn to deal with angry and unpleasant people. At the same time, the worst decisions I've ever made in disciplining them OR my students have been arbitrary.

I'd talk to the teacher. Some of us are quite approachable. It may not change the outcome, but a respectful exchange of opinion is healthy.

I for one, would be interested in the conclusion of your moral dilemma.

[JBotAlan]

I don't know if someone beat me to talking with him, or if he realized overnight what a monster he created, but the teacher changed his mind; the students that did not do the original assignment now are required to get 2 college applications online and do them; it is possibly for a grade--not sure how heavy of a weight it will be--but this assignment is actually doable. The "betrayal" essay is gone. Only one student did it overnight, and she was not pulled out today with the rest of the students who did not do the original assignment--I think the teacher did the right thing and let her go on with the group project. Not sure if she was excused from the college essays.

I did talk with the teacher after class; I told him that I would have loved to do the essay but that I would have needed about another 2 weeks. He agreed. He is considering using it next year at the end of the year, but he says if he does he will make sure there is enough time.

Everyone is much happier; the drama is over.

That's the big conclusion.

Thanks for your advice, though.
JBot

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by JBotAlan

I did talk with the teacher after class; I told him that I would have loved to do the essay but that I would have needed about another 2 weeks. He agreed. He is considering using it next year at the end of the year, but he says if he does he will make sure there is enough time.

That's the best part of the discussion, Jacob. Awesome.

[Jeremiah Johnson]

Originally Posted by JaneYoung

That's the best part of the discussion, Jacob. Awesome.

I agree. This teacher seems smart, but overzealous. Much unlike my girlfriends regular English teacher in which she completed a 7 page essay in 13 pages and was given an 88% because she talked about FIRST too much.

Anyways, I'm glad the teacher came to his senses and decided to alleviate some of the stress on the students in the class.