FAHA: Intimidated by Authority

[Beth Sweet]

Here we’ve got a situation of fear of authority. While the student see’s a problem, his/her fear of the potential wrath of the authoritative figure. Anyone able to think of a good solution?

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I have a team mentor who speaks poorly of our team constantly. He tells his classes about how bad the team is, how we are disrespectful, that we steal all of his tools and we are a waste of his time. When it comes time to shine, he tells people that he gave ideas to design parts, and that he gives hours of time helping the students finish the robot. And that he is in charge of the whole build program. I feel like I can’t say anything to him because he is my teacher.... which means that he controls my grades. It puts me in a really sticky spot.

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FIRST-a-holic Anonymous mailbox is a place to share your concern and frustration about your FIRST experience anonymously. It is the perfect place if you just want someone to listen, or ask for advice when you don’t know what to do. Submit your letters today at the FIRST-a-holic anonymous mailbox forum. If you wish to respond to this thread anonymously, please PM Beth or Bharat with your response and thread title.

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[Arefin Bari]

Option #1) If several members on your team feels the same way, get them all together and confront the teacher. Please don't be rude to your teacher, just explain how you guys feel about this whole situation. If the problem isn't taken care of this way, take this situation to the department head and so on. Ofcourse your teacher controls your grade but not to the point when you have to keep your mouth shut when you feel that something isn't fair.

Option #2) Just let things be and try to convince him (by action) that everything he is saying is not right.

good luck.