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Grades in most college classes are dependent on two or three tests, not "busy work". I think that kind of characterization would describe high school in which the lazier students decide to not do the work and end up with C's, but are just as capable to get A's. In college, the emphasis is on understanding and comprehending the material by reading before class, listening to lectures, and then finally demonstrating competence on a test. It's a lot less busy work in my opinion, but this will vary based on class, college, etc (I'm speaking in general).
When I was a TA, I heard a lot of students complain: " I did all the work and why I still get a C?"
It seems that they assume a default score to be A.
In my opinion, the default score for a college level course should be C. You get an A only if you are very smart and work hard. You get a B if you basically understand all the materials.
I teach ...and I totally believe that students are so much more than their GPA and test scores. Unfortunately, many colleges don't think the same way I do.
Grades in most college classes are dependent on two or three tests, not "busy work". I think that kind of characterization would describe high school in which the lazier students decide to not do the work and end up with C's, but are just as capable to get A's. In college, the emphasis is on understanding and comprehending the material by reading before class, listening to lectures, and then finally demonstrating competence on a test. It's a lot less busy work in my opinion, but this will vary based on class, college, etc (I'm speaking in general).
I guess we have differing opinions on what constitutes "busy work".
For me, doing the work required to regurgitate correct answers on a test is "busy work". Anyone can do it, you just have to sit down and put in the work. Most tests don't test for anything other than how good you are at taking tests. After a point, it's a simple process....and I guess that's my point...that tests are largely busy work, and prove little to nothing...
fwiw, the courses I thought helped me the most in college were those in which you were expected to give the class a lecture at some point. Try getting up in front of 20+ of your peers and teaching them something...not easy, and the back and forth between students is awesome.
Lets do away with GPA's and class rank and start giving students medals and diplomas for just showing up. A "participation award", just like they do in sports nowadays. That way, nobody's feelings get hurt and kid's self esteem remains intact, and everybody is a "winner".
I guess we have differing opinions on what constitutes "busy work".
For me, doing the work required to regurgitate correct answers on a test is "busy work". Anyone can do it, you just have to sit down and put in the work. Most tests don't test for anything other than how good you are at taking tests. After a point, it's a simple process....and I guess that's my point...that tests are largely busy work, and prove little to nothing...
fwiw, the courses I thought helped me the most in college were those in which you were expected to give the class a lecture at some point. Try getting up in front of 20+ of your peers and teaching them something...not easy, and the back and forth between students is awesome.
I'm hoping grad school is like that.
So you mean tests are asking you to remember what the class taught you? Mind blowing.
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