Today in my summer school class, we had been working on a group projects, my group finished early, and honestly i would get a little bored and stand up, and go and talk to my friend, so my teacher got really mad, and was all "some people have the nerve.." So my group presented out project and I saved their asses cause she asked a lot of unexpected questions, and I knew the answers, so you would think I would get a good grade... Wrong! Then she accused me off talking whilst other people presented their projects... I know for a fact I ddint talk until AFTER they were done, and she says thats the reason why she took off points, leaving me with a 67 and all of the other slackers in my group with a grade range of 71- 85. SO can she do that? take off points for "bad" behavior on an academic project?
2006-07-18 05:10:10 · 9 answers · asked by LREN 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
Let's get this in perspective.
If you always produce a good product or service for an employer, but you disrupt other people's work....
Guess what! You're reprimanded, or fired!
Welcome to the real world!
Be glad it's a grade, rather than a paycheck.
That being said, if you TRULY were not talking at a time that was inappropriate or distracting, then take your case (with your parents in tow) to the principal.
This is not an issue of whether having a grade docked for bad behavior is wrong, but whether you were showing bad behavior or not.
2006-07-18 05:41:04 · answer #1 · answered by spedusource 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I teach high school, so I know exactly what you're talking about. One of the big problems is group projects. How can a teacher tell who did what? Is it fair for those who didn't do the work to earn the grade? There's a new philosophy out there (maybe it's not new, but it's the trend) by Ken O'Connor, and he advocates for separating the grade and the behavior, and reporting each. Behavior problems should be handled as behavior problems, and the grade should report skills and ability. Also, he says no group grades, ever. I agree. You might want to share this idea with your teacher. From my experience, if a student approaches me in a respectful way to share his perspective and ask me to consider his view, I'm receptive. But if the student is angry and obnoxious, he doesn't stand a good chance. Talk to her respectfully, and see what happens. Good luck!
2006-07-18 18:54:40 · answer #2 · answered by readtobe2002 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the teacher stated at the beginning that their was a "participation" or "conduct" grade that would factor into the overall grade, then she has the right to do this.
If such a factor was not discussed, then I'd say you have a legitimate beef and should discuss this with your parents, and have one or both of them discuss it with your teacher with you present. Mention that you did not disrupt anyone's presentation.
I'd also take this as a lesson learned that your behavior can have consequences in the classroom. Talk to your friends outside of school.
2006-07-18 05:15:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Technically they can use any criteria they think is fitting, but it is bad practice for the teacher to change the criteria or add new criteria (such as the bad behaviour thing) after the assignment has been set.
From what you have said, it sounds like your teacher's conduct was not appropriate. You can contest the grade you were given (and your teacher's conduct in general) -- your school should have a grievance procedure you can follow to do this.
2006-07-18 05:15:21 · answer #4 · answered by 876 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is in her syllabus for the class, she can. It may be listed under "participation". Talk to your teacher, first, and explain the entire situation (about your group members, etc...). See if she will consider an alternative assignment to pull the presentation grade or something. Maybe she's reasonable.
2006-07-18 12:53:54 · answer #5 · answered by misswoodstockvateach 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope. Get the rest of your group together and go see the Principal. That's not allowed in the Public School system.
2006-07-18 05:14:20 · answer #6 · answered by Quietman40 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes she can do that... because other people could had a problem with it.. and talk with other groups and their projects wouldnt be done. to you, You may think that you werent bothering that group.. but you could of done that with the other groups.
2006-07-18 05:22:04 · answer #7 · answered by sweet_poetic_fire 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Discuss the matter with the principal.
Chalk up another incompetent public school teacher.
2006-07-18 11:41:14 · answer #8 · answered by Jenny A 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your teacher was out of line.Talk to the principal.Better yet, tell your parents to do that.Principals HATE compliants from parents ! !
2006-07-20 03:28:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋