Sideshow, is your makeup policy in the syllabus? If it says they can’t make up tests, don’t let them make it up. It just depends on what rules you have laid down in your course.
[QUOTE=Sideshow;356420]i had 2 students who rolled into class 2 hours late to class today, on a day when we had a test. they were at the obama rally. how should i deal with these students[/QUOTE]
A similiar situation occured in the Richmond area schools a couple of weeks ago. There was a Palin and Obama rally, not on the same day, but pretty close. Students, not college kids mind you, but elementary, middle/high school kids that skipped school to attend the Obama rally were given excused absences. The ones that went to the Palin rally were marked with an unexcused absence. Now, how it that fair?
[QUOTE=VA49er;356757]A similiar situation occured in the Richmond area schools a couple of weeks ago. There was a Palin and Obama rally, not on the same day, but pretty close. Students, not college kids mind you, but elementary, middle/high school kids that skipped school to attend the Obama rally were given excused absences. The ones that went to the Palin rally were marked with an unexcused absence. Now, how it that fair?[/QUOTE]
I heard about this from a few friends in Va. One is a dem. and thought it was real funny. It pissed me off…
A similiar situation occured in the Richmond area schools a couple of weeks ago. There was a Palin and Obama rally, not on the same day, but pretty close. Students, not college kids mind you, but elementary, middle/high school kids that skipped school to attend the Obama rally were given excused absences. The ones that went to the Palin rally were marked with an unexcused absence. Now, how it that fair?
That is obviously not fair, but that is not the same as what Sideshow is talking about.
[QUOTE=VA49er;356757] elementary, middle/high school kids that skipped school to attend the Obama rally were given excused absences. The ones that went to the Palin rally were marked with an unexcused absence. Now, how it that fair?[/QUOTE]
it’s not fair. its a dumb crock of s***.
Doesn’t it all really come down to common courtesy?
Unless a family emergency etc with no way to contact a prof this is about common courtesy isn’t it?
I cannot imagine Sideshow or anyone else being unwilling to discuss such a rally and the issues (missing class, work, etc). Common courtesy to explain the issues and ask for alternative plans goes a long way.
After that discussion whatever Sideshow or anyone else decides, as the person in charge, goes. Anyone can disagree with that decision on here if you so choose, but the common courtesy to discuss it is really the key I think, and links the opposing positions here.
A similiar situation occured in the Richmond area schools a couple of weeks ago. There was a Palin and Obama rally, not on the same day, but pretty close. Students, not college kids mind you, but elementary, middle/high school kids that skipped school to attend the Obama rally were given excused absences. The ones that went to the Palin rally were marked with an unexcused absence. Now, how it that fair?
Going to a rally is not a good excuse for missing school especially for middle and elementary school students, and it really should be unexcused if they have a pre-planned test. I disagree with giving an excused absence for either an Obama rally or a Palin rally. If that is really happening, those people who are excusing some students and not others should be suspended without pay for doing that to those children, and I am supporting Obama in this election. I am Submarley734, and I approve this message.
I never actually said how I feel about missing the test…
I’ve had teachers allow me to miss tests as long as I warn them ahead of time and work out a make-up time, usually taking the test beforehand or on the same day as others.
However, I did walk into a test late because I was attending the UNC Tomorrow conference downtown, and the Professor gave me the option to finish the test in his office because I was doing something for the benefit of the school and had not intended to be late.
I feel as if these guys should be given a chance to finish the test, but a maximum grade of a D. That way they could still work hard and get the C they need to get credit for the course (if its in their major). Obama was almost an hour late.
You have to apply the rules fairly. Whatever is in the syllabus is the rule. It’s my understanding they didn’t have permission beforehand. If you provided them an out in the syllabus then they should get to make it up. If not, then no. This event is no different then any other event and should get no special treatment. The lack of fairly applying the rules and laws have lead to most of the problems in this country today.
[QUOTE=Sideshow;356427]I strongly dislike Bob Barr as well. However, the issue isn’t whether I agree with the politician. It’s that they ditched half of class on day when a test was scheduled.[/QUOTE]
I take back what I said before, since a test was scheduled they should have at the very least discussed an alternative with you.
That’s what they get for being honest. They should have lied and said they were sick. Honesty never pays off.
I emailed my professor before-hand and she said it was okay. She actually cancelled class so everyone could attend.
Too bad the drop/add deadline was the same day as the speech… assuming you teach here.
I appreciate the input.
thelew, yes i would handle it the same if it were a McCain rally
eason, no it was not a Charlotte class
Learning occurs through experience, outside the classroom.
I still remember going to my first rally, when I was 14, and I was dragged there.
This is a big time learning opportunity, a direct, meaningful experience. I’d, fwiw, have them integrate it.
Sideshow, I was guessing you’d like experimental education.
That's what I'm thinking. Look, if you want to blow off class, fine. I blew off more than one class when I was a student, for every reason under the sun. You weigh the pros and cons, and if you feel it's worth the risk, you take the leap. But there's always consequences.It would be unethical if I made exceptions for something as arbitrary as to attend a speech. Nevermind the heightened emotional aspect of it, the “once in a lifetime” history making stuff. 49rfootball is right. If it were for a concert, or a date, or even something as noble as to volunteer to build a habitat house-- they’re still decisions you have to make that conflict with a prior commitment. And there should be consequences for making that tradeoff. I’m sure the students thought of that before they made the decision, and I’m sure they will accept them.
Sideshow…my 2 cents.
Are you a man of laws or a man of principles?
A man of laws insists on a strict following of laws and rules. He knows all rules and lives by them.
A man of principles tries to see beyond the laws and rules and understand the meaning behind them. He applies these principles in his life when rules are not present. By doing so he surpasses the man of law who can not function without rules.
Do you want your students to live by laws or by principles?
The law is that your students have to attend class. What is the principle behind the law? Is it that you truly want them to benefit from the education that is being present? Or do you really want them just to obey the law.
Did these students advance their education by being present at the rally? Possibly.
My suggestion…make the students right an essay explaining if and how the Obama speech can or will change their life and how it contributed to their education. If the essay satisfactorily provides proof that they benefited from the speech then allow them to take the test with reduced credit (say maximum grade of 90). This gives them the opportunity to make an A but at the same time doesn’t give them equal treatment as those students who chose to attend class.
[QUOTE=49erFan1;356910]Sideshow…my 2 cents.
Are you a man of laws or a man of principles?
A man of laws insists on a strict following of laws and rules. He knows all rules and lives by them.
A man of principles tries to see beyond the laws and rules and understand the meaning behind them. He applies these principles in his life when rules are not present. By doing so he surpasses the man of law who can not function without rules.
Do you want your students to live by laws or by principles?
The law is that your students have to attend class. What is the principle behind the law? Is it that you truly want them to benefit from the education that is being present? Or do you really want them just to obey the law.
Did these students advance their education by being present at the rally? Possibly.
My suggestion…make the students right an essay explaining if and how the Obama speech can or will change their life and how it contributed to their education. If the essay satisfactorily provides proof that they benefited from the speech then allow them to take the test with reduced credit (say maximum grade of 90). This gives them the opportunity to make an A but at the same time doesn’t give them equal treatment as those students who chose to attend class.[/QUOTE]
maybe if it was an English class, or Civics, or Polysci… but, i teach film production. I can’t justify an essay on a political speech in lieu of taking a test on cinematography.
maybe if it was an English class, or Civics, or Polysci... but, i teach film production. I can't justify an essay on a political speech in lieu of taking a test on cinematography.
Fail them. Prepare them for the real film industry. :lmao:
I take back what I said before, since a test was scheduled they should have at the very least discussed an alternative with you.
Yeah, a pre-sched test, something you know about, your willingly taking a zero if you choose not to go.
But it would be a dick move if there was a random pop quiz on that day…
I used to skip every class for Bball games, and the professor picked up on it. He gave a 1 question open book extra credit quiz for the half the class that did should up that day.
Meh, **** happens. priorities I guess.
... but, i teach film production.
We have a film production class here??:ohmy:
Pretty sure he teaches at the school we’re getting ready to play.
[QUOTE=The 49ers Insider;357030]We have a film production class here??:ohmy:[/QUOTE]
Actually, we have 2 film production classes here. Both of which I also teach, but neither of those were the source of this issue.
and no PB, the other school is not UNCG.