tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3984856392098943090.post1173754630650598303..comments2012-04-15T18:02:29.575-07:00Comments on JAMmin' in the Classroom: What's my grade?Jennie Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10580792886633918089noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3984856392098943090.post-69380354141538160012012-03-07T07:27:39.570-08:002012-03-07T07:27:39.570-08:00Well, some teachers do that specifically to teach ...Well, some teachers do that specifically to teach you one lesson; grades don't matter. They just DON'T.<br /><br />We've been conditioned to believe that our entire academic performance can be attributed to a letter grade. Everyone looks at GPA. GPA, GPA, GPA. Want to get into college? What's your high school GPA? Want to start a graduate program? What's your current GPA? GPA? How is that one number indicative of your past talent or the prospect of your future success?<br /><br />I'll answer. It isn't.<br /><br />But, since there is nothing else quantitative that we can look at, we reduce you to a number that is so powerful that you might as well have it tattooed to your forehead for everyone to see. It has even become so ridiculous that students are ONLY concerned with getting the A, not with the learning or retention of any ideas that our (obviously) more knowledgeable educators give to us.<br /><br />Some teachers just don't believe in the power of that number.<br /><br />I know it can be frustrating, because we've been taught to live by the GPA monster, but I'm taking that same class with you. I assure you, you'll get an A :)Tym Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16524259312961676815noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3984856392098943090.post-2764541370266985612012-03-06T10:27:05.331-08:002012-03-06T10:27:05.331-08:00I know what class you are referring to, and I have...I know what class you are referring to, and I have also experienced many classes like this. However, I think that our professors do this on purpose. College is a learning experience. Especially in education, where they tell us repeatedly how students become too focused on the letter grades and not the learning that goes on behind those letters. As long as you're doing the work and learning as much as you can, you'll get an A. Especially in the class you're directly referring to- trust me. But the fact that you're worrying is exactly what they wanted. I kind of love it. It's so cliche "college" ... it's not about the grades, it's about learning! (So cheesey and you probably hate me, but I seriously do kind of enjoy it. But I'd also like to know, I understand your argument completely!)Kara Werkmeisterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12710560308914932216noreply@blogger.com