The status quo seems to revolve around, “if you don’t follow the instructions, the teacher has the right to fail you.” What ethically determines the consequences for not following instructions on a case to case basis?
Unless the instructions require you to be a redhead born on a Tuesday, or something else not physically possible, I’m not sure why you think that the instructions shouldn’t apply to you.
The time to question the grading policy is after you’ve received the syllabus, and before the drop deadline.
^That’s the right and only time.
If the instructions were to bow in front of a door when you come into an English classroom, or use a folder to turn in an assignment, or otherwise you’ll fail… and it’s not included on the syllabus, would that be valid to question? What determines validity of a grading policy that’s not included on a syllabus?
Are you speaking hypothetically, or actual cases? It would help if you were specific about your case.
It’s mid May. I’m guessing this isn’t a hypothetical question?
Was the policy, or a rubric, or some written outline of the requirements, available?
But to answer the question, I think the time to question the way an assignment will be graded is immediately after it’s assigned, not after receiving a grade you disagree with.
Not really too much on my mind, considering it’s the last part of the semester, and would rather not leave with any resentment. It was about putting a bunch of journal responses in a folder and getting a C for it. Not trying to fuss about it. Too late to do anything about it.
It did make me wonder on much more of a broader principles of ethics and grading policy though, and what point should the student be responsible for taking action on their part.
I cannot stand teachers who have all these dumb rules that they take so seriously. Like really, who cares if you put something in a folder or not? I think a lot of them are on some kind of power trip and think that just because they’re in a position of authority they can do whatever they want. Anyone who thinks that this is acceptable has way too much respect for authority. Technically speaking though, there’s probably not much you could do to challenge it. Don’t get me wrong, most teachers and professors are reasonable and I have plenty of respect for them, but there will always be a few, as in any profession, that take themselves way too seriously.