The Chronicle of Higher Education: Colloquy

COLLOQUY

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In his November 4 Colloquy response Mr. Dean seems to assume that students don't talk with instructors and that they won't advocate for themselves using an ad misericordium.

My college students did it during the Vietnam draft and my high school students do it now seemingly whenever they believe they can gain advantage.

Doesn't experience teach that students with a need will often let their teachers know about it and that most teachers will respond, many with "help" in the form of grade inflation (which is the real outcome of "giving a student a break")?

Dr. Holmes and his T.A.'s acted predictably and understandably -- no fault there. But when students' futures are pegged to G.P.A.'s, grade inflation seems inevitable. Sooner or later, someone with ask for help from those who must judge their work.

-- Samuel Barnett, Director of Admissions, The Harvey School (posted 11/10, 12:20 p.m., E.S.T.)
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