My AP U.S. history teacher is very liberal. She talks highly of and pushes belief on points that I don't agree with at all. Should I speak up and risk a bad grade/ bad reputation (of being a person who looks for trouble) or should I just write what she wants to hear? It hurts to stay silent, but i know that i have to pick my battles. Help Me! This isn't about the right or the left...answer on what you would do in this situation regarding your personal beliefs...
..Anxiety in American History
2007-08-28 14:38:33 · 17 answers · asked by Dana 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
My experience has been that most teachers want to hear reasoned, factually-based arguments. If you write something that is supported by facts and takes into account what she is teaching you in class, she should give you a good grade and if she doesn't, you have a good case to take to the ombudsman at your school. Your paper would have to say a.) this is what happened according to our assigned texts, and b.) this is my interpretation. If you skip a.) you will get and, IMO, deserve a bad grade. If you do a & b and still get a bad grade you can appeal to the school's ombudsman. I did that in my senior year and got moved from a D to a B in a composition class where the teacher did not like my writing.
2007-08-28 15:11:01 · answer #1 · answered by Edward K 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When my grandmother was in college, she had a similar problem with a professor. Never one to stay silent and just agree, she took a stand. And then she noticed that all of her former As started to diminish into Bs and Cs. This was unusual for her, as she was always a straight A student.
Grandma didn't take it lying down. She arranged a conference with the teacher and the dean. She even stated that she'd hire an attorney and seek advice there, if she had to. The professor backed off. (But only because he didn't have tenure yet. If he had, my grandmother would have more than likely failed the class for that stunt.)
If it were me this were happening to, I'd weigh my options. How much does a good grade in this class mean to you? If you get a bad grade, can it completely ruin an otherwise flawless GPA? Can you take the class later with another teacher if you get a bad grade? Would you be willing to?
In my opinion, it's wrong that you have to choose between your grades and your values, but this is ultimately what college is about. College degrees don't show how much you've learned; they show how much you've learned to conform. (Again, my opinion.)
2007-08-29 07:30:27 · answer #2 · answered by Avie 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If this is a history class, not a political science class, then opinion shouldn't matter when it comes to the examinations. I would remain quiet in class and answer questions factually.
But this is one of those matters that depend on the teacher. Some teachers welcome an open discussion of opinions in the classroom, and will actually think more highly of a student who is actively involved and ready to debate and provide well-reasoned arguments for their point of view. Others view this as a threat, and it would garner a bad reputation in the class.
If your teacher is expecting you to provide answers based on her opinion rather than facts on examinations, I would first speak with my parents and let them know what was going on, and I would be prepared to sit down and discuss with the principals my concerns about the class (be prepared and bring your classwork and any evidence you have for supporting your factual knowledge about the issue).
Best of luck!
2007-08-29 15:27:45 · answer #3 · answered by JenV 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would politely ask a question about why she thinks this and that and ask questions of what made her think that. This way, if she seems to give you a bad grade and you haven't been slipping in class work, then you could talk to the principle about how you think maybe the teacher was giving you a bad grade for personal beliefs. Better to be cultured and strong than to be a wuss and afraid.
2007-08-28 23:04:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to agree with them. You don't even have to speak out in class. But come paper time, I would make certain my papers reflected how I feel. And that they are well supported with facts. If they give you a bad grade based on insignificant reasons, it can be taken up with the school. There is your fight. Not in class. Only when you have to say you believe something you don't is it wrong. You may also complain to their superiors. Why no one does this I'm not sure...but teachers can get on a power trip.
2007-08-28 21:59:02 · answer #5 · answered by cthulhu_kisses 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do NOT write what she wants to hear.
If you get a bad grade, and can prove she is marking down bad grades because of her beliefs, then talk to the principal or someone at the school about it.
2007-08-29 11:13:07 · answer #6 · answered by Terri 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As much as it sucks, it wouldn't do any good to speak up, other than make youself feel better. If you do have a true problem with it, maybe get some friends who feel the same and go speak to your guidance counselor and see if maybe him/her can help you out. Maybe they can have a talk with your teacher, while keeping you and your friends anonymous. But just focus on passing the class, you can still hold onto your beliefs, but voicing them wouldn't do good either way, unless you did something about it like talking to a guidance counselor or someone who can make a change.
It's great to want to speak your mind, but it's better to give it thought as to what you can do to really make that change. Just speaking up and risking getting yourself into hot water isn't going to change the problem at hand.
2007-08-28 21:48:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
If your teacher is so liberal than she should be open to hearing your side. Just be sure you can back up what you say. Teachers really like student who care about their subject- even if they don't agree.
2007-08-28 21:54:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
speak your mind after the class is over....you cannot win with libs, they twist everything you say into something awful...spew the trash back to her and after the class is over, ask to meet with her and tell her the truth and how sad you are that you had to conform to get the proper grade when school is a supposed to be about factual events, not twisted history.
2007-08-28 21:58:49 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
well i think you should speak up for what you believe, whether is good or wrong, that is why america is a free speech country ain´t it, now if you do not want to get a bad grade because of any represion from your instructor, tell her that you can tell her what she wants, or if she wants to hear your explanation too, be wise and let know you do not agree with the system
2007-08-28 21:48:45 · answer #10 · answered by Luis 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋