the entitlement society

[hudebnik]

I just got an e-mail from a student in another class (not mine). He needed some help with his class work, so he went to the Learning Center tutors for an hour last Friday and an hour today. Now he wants me (or anybody in the department) to sign off on two hours of "extra credit assignment".

The only way I can read this is "I'm paying you to feed me education in 2-1/2 hours a week. If I have to spend any more time on it than that, I expect to be reimbursed."

Comments

[hlinspjalda.livejournal.com]

Horseshit. That's not extra credit, it's remedial work. *eyeroll*

[shalmestere.livejournal.com]

That's not extra credit, it's remedial work.

This. (And this is exactly what you should tell hir--IMO, of course.)

[cvirtue.livejournal.com]

Might also just be "the not-thinking society." Stupid, either way, though.

[shalmestere.livejournal.com]

Does your department have any students that don't make you want to beat your head against the wall?

[hudebnik.livejournal.com]

Actually, yes. There are at least three really good ones in my classes this semester, and several others who are here to learn stuff, and frequently have a clue.

[goldsquare.livejournal.com]

::boggle::

Extra credit involves turning in MORE work than everyone else. Not "doing" more work, but PRODUCING more work.

This may not be the brightest taper on the candelabra, you know?

[osewalrus.livejournal.com]

Or it may be the student was given bad advice by someone who said "you can get extra-credit for this if you ask."

Why do we tell people to ask, and that asking can't hurt, when yes: there are stupid questions and it will hurt.

Not having seen the email, I can't see whether the student framed this as a request or as an expectation. Either way, I would probably phrase a response as: "the Learning Center tutors are there to help students who need additional explanation or assistance. We therefore do not consider this eligible for extra credit. if you were advised otherwise, I regret you were misinformed."

[shalmestere.livejournal.com]

"the Learning Center tutors are there to help students who need additional explanation or assistance. We therefore do not consider this eligible for extra credit. if you were advised otherwise, I regret you were misinformed."

Even better :-)

[isabeau-lark.livejournal.com]

I so hear you. I can't tell you how many teachers ask me if I will overnight a FREE review copy. It boggles my mind.

I like osewalrus's response. Polite, but to the point.

[ilaine-dcmrn.livejournal.com]

another fine addition to the workforce in a couple of years