Exams unfair, and prof won't do anything about it.

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I'm taking a developmental psych class as a prereq for my nursing program I'm starting in the fall. The professor has been teaching this class for years, and uses the latest revised text. The problem is, he's never updated his syllabus or the tests, so he assigns the same chapters for the same units, year after year. The text chapters isn't covering what it used to (3 years ago)....i know this, b/c I have an old edition of the test.

So, I'm studying my a$$ off on the chapters he's assigned, and the test is testing later chapters. I have to have a minimum of a B in this class. So far I have gotten 2 C's on the test (i'm normally an A or B student). I emailed him with what I think is going on....he blew me off saying that "chapters overlap". :banghead:

OK, so here's the real dilemma, he said I should get a B b/c I am doing well on the writing assignments. I am needing him to post my grade a little sooner to accomodate my prereq for entry in the fall. But I know I'm right about the exams. I'm scared to push the issue in fear that he'll penalize my future writing assignments give me a C (of which I would appeal, of course).

So, would you push the issue and go to the department heads? or be happy with a possible B?

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Specializes in no specialty! (have to graduate first!).

I had a similar situation in my phlebotomy class. Our teacher used old tests that didn't coincide with the new test. We "protested" but it didn't do any good. Out of our 4 tests, I got 3 C's and 1 B and I got a C on the final. We had homework due for every class which was good because it helped my grade a lot. I ended up with a B in the class. Without the homework, I would've had a C. So my advice is to not push it. If you do, make sure you have the proper proof. As in, make sure you can prove that question from the test are not in the text. But even then, your teacher may argue that even though it wasn't in the text he lectured about it. Which you will not be able to prove unless you recorded the lectures. And as you mentioned, if you push the issue he may not grade your writing assignments as well. And you won't be able to do anything about that. Grading writing assignments are not as cut and dry as grading a multiple choice test.

I would take the B. It would really suck if you professor gives you a C out of spite.

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Your school probably has a process by which you can appeal your grade. Keep a record of the types of questions that are being tested on that are outside of the asigned reading. I'm in this process myself with a macroeconomics class, someone else in the class has already gotten their grade raised.

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Correction: I have an old edition of the text (not test).

I'm know of 3 questions that this is the case (which would have given me a B on the test). I am able to email the rest of the class to see if anyone else is having hte same problem. But, I think that email is copied to the professor also....and I really don't want him to think I'm starting a revolt or anything.

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

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Specializes in no specialty! (have to graduate first!).
Correction: I have an old edition of the text (not test).

I'm know of 3 questions that this is the case (which would have given me a B on the test). I am able to email the rest of the class to see if anyone else is having hte same problem. But, I think that email is copied to the professor also....and I really don't want him to think I'm starting a revolt or anything.

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Why would your e-mail be copied to him? If you send an e-mail to the whole class just make sure you delete his e-mail from the recipients list. Or send an e-amil using a different address. Personally, I wouldn't risk it anyway. Paper trails are never good. What if you e-mail a classmate that is the teachers pet and will jump at the chance to show him the e-mail? I would just ask around.

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Its the email program at the school. It gives the option to "send email to class", but not list all the names and emails (its an online class).

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If you have an old edition of the text then perhaps you could study for the next exam from it?

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That's what I am probably going to do. Unfortunately, there are only 3 exams, and I've taken 2 of them. Maybe after my grade has been posted, I'll email the department heads....I don't want other students to get screwed b/c of this guy.....

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I would use the old text to boost your grade on test #3. I would keep track of the questions/topics on the tests that were "not on the right test" and be prepared to share them with the department head AFTER your grade has been posted.

I would take the "B" and then contact the next person up the chain of command (course coordinator, department head, whoever is appropriate for your school) and explain what has happened. Share your specific examples with them and ask them politely to help with whatever course of action they think is best and fair to the students whose grades may have suffered because of the problem. Express your concern for your classmates and for future students. Then back off a little as see how they respond.

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The same thing happened in my development psych class, but the professor adjusted the grade if you pointed out the specific questions that were the problem. In my opinion, it is a very lazy way to teach, and I would go over the professor's head if I were you. Just carefully document everything.

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That's a good strategy. I think I may pursue that route, presuming this last test goes ok. Thank you all for your thoughts!

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