April 2, 2004

Thwarting Misbehavior in the Classroom

By DAVID D. PERLMUTTER

After giving a midterm examination last year, I briefly considered quitting my lifelong job as a teacher. The stimulus was the declaration during the test by a student -- incensed at my "unfair" questions, which he characterized as "way too hard" -- that I was a "jerk." The young man spoke loudly enough for me to hear.

I was furious. Of course, like any educator, I've had students complain privately (in my office, on the phone, or through e-mail) that I am unfair, too

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