Failing A&P

twinbee25 · Feb 2, 2005

Hi Nicole,

Well it sounds like they were desperate for an A/P professor!!! I feel for you as I remember my A/P days well....but had a great professor!

Is there no other A/P class/different teacher you could transfer to?

I also receive grants, and here in Texas at least, you have to keep your GPA above a certain average or you can lose the grant or have to pay back ...something like that.. not real sure about that as I have never had to cross that bridge.

There has got to be something that can be done though about someone not being able to teach A/P... I would advise you to talk with your advisor...and see if she can recommend that you talk with someone about how this math teacher is teaching the class. Perhaps if you are allowed, take a tape recorder and tape a class or two... then let the right person listen to it.

Personally, I would suggest withdrawing before failing...but then your advisor is the best to help with that decision.

Definitely ask your advisor who you can talk with about the teaching methods going on here. Also ask advise about whether you should drop the class or able to transfer to another A/P class...keeping in mind your GPA/grants and final withdraw dates.

Failing one class will drop your GPA, but may not drop it enough to lose the grants. Your advisor will be able to guide you on that, what the requirements are.

You have the right to complain...you are paying for it with anything from money (even gas $ to get there), to your time...and its your future you are dealing with here! A/P is a hard class to begin with, so do NOT feel you are dumb/stupid... you are not!!! You are trying to learn what it is all about.

And if its the whole class that made bad grades....a good teacher (no matter the subject), will take note and realize something needs to be done as he/she isnt reaching the students.

Keep us posted on how it goes! Good luck! and wish I could give you more advice.

SarasotaRN2b · Feb 2, 2005

Hi Nicole,

Sorry that you are going through so much. I'm really shocked about this teaching situation. I work within the Natural Science department at my community college and there is no way that you can teach a subject without having a Master's degree in that subject.

I would definitely say something. Can you speak with the department chairman? The dean of the school? Someone else in authority? If this is a general consensus with all the students, you should do this together.

I personally found that A&P 1 was the more difficult of the two class sequence and one that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Good luck!

Kris

NicInNC, CNA · Feb 2, 2005

I have to maintain a 2.0 gpa. As of my last grade report, my gpa was 3.25.

I'm just so let down. I want this more than ANYTHING. I WILL accomplish it, but I didn't have plans on failing. Do you think a tutor would help or are they really not that much help?

I WILL complain. Trust me. I don't know if i go to the dean of the school or WHO I go to, but I'll ask my advisor that.

I also forgot to mention that I think my class is full of dilenquents (sp?). There are a lot of younger students that will talk and laugh and cut up yet the teacher does NOTHING. She has no control over the class.

It's really a pitiful sight to see. I thought college would be so different. Last sememster it WAS. I loved all my instructors and the students had a normal maturity level. It's like a circus, yet not funny.

Jess RN · Feb 2, 2005

I oved my A&P prof- he was funny and interesting, but really I felt like I did a lot of it on my own at my kitchen table. It's a LOT of memorization. I also had a great study group. Even if you can find just two or three people in class who are serious that can help a lot. The other thing is just read read read the chapters in your A&P book. Make outlines of what you've read in the text. Study the text- that is where to spend your time- esp. if the lectures are a joke. I know it is hard- I have a two year old and a 5 mo old- just sqeeze in reading whenever you can. You can do it!!!

-Jess

Lovely_RN, MSN · Feb 2, 2005

I am taking my pre-requisites at a CC too and there are a lot of idiots attending. A lot of the young students at my school just go to get the Federal Pell money and the State T.A.P money that is left over after the measly tuition is paid. They figure they are satisfying their parent's request that they educate themselves while they collect a check twice a year for btw 1k-1,800. per semester. They are also eligible for loans and many of them take the max...Some of these students have accumulated the cap in loans for a 2 year college...It's about 23K but 2 years tuition at that school is only $6k!

It's a terrible situation and a waste of tax dollars. When I went through my first go-round I learned quickly to take my classes on the weekends and in the evenings when most of the slackers are out partying.

Even if you are the only one who has the courage to do it you must complain about this instructor. Even if it means contacting your state's department of education. Is your school accredited? A math teacher teaching an advance level science course? That is just wrong. Personally I would drop if things don't improve. One failed class can lower your gpa quite a bit. When you go to apply to the nursing department and they evaluate your credits they will definitely pay more attention to your pre-requisites than any other class..those are the classes that you really want to shine in. I wouldn't want anything less than a B+

Sorry to be long winded. Good luck to you. I am truly sorry you have to deal with this.

Fun2, BSN, RN · Feb 2, 2005

The hard thing about A&P is that it is total memorization. However, if you don't know how or what to study, you're in for a tough haul.

I would definitely complain!!!!!!! I love my A&P professor. He seems so knowledgeable, and realizes that most of the class doesn't know anything.

I would try your hardest, and at least wait until closer to the drop date to drop the class. Maybe you'll remember more next time you take it. Talk to your advisor about it. I made a CD-R of all my notes and I listen to them over and over on the way to class, and on the way home. Plus, I study almost all day long when not in class. Yesterday, I took time out to do a puzzle with my 7 yr old. As soon as we were finished, I went back to studying.

I really think it is best to drop the class, and take it over. Maybe your talking to the Science dept dean will clear something up. Maybe your instructor can offer extra credit since she doesn't know the subject. You are paying to be taught from a knowledgeable source, not from someone that knows math, instead of A&P.

Good luck in your decision.

NicInNC, CNA · Feb 2, 2005

HOW do people get that kind of money? I was awarded a Pell Grant and a NC Community College grant and all I have left at the end of each semester is like $40....IF THAT. Plus, I've paid out of pocket for things like the Anatomy Coloring book. I don't understand how people get all this money. I just need enough to cover tuition and books. I'm thrilled with that.

Anyways, I AM going to complain. And I've decided to withdrawl the last few weeks if I can't pull my grade up. I still have an appointment with my advisor tomorrow (as long as they don't cancel classes...callng for snow) and hopefully I can get somewhere.

Thanks so much for all the replies.

Lovely_RN, MSN · Feb 2, 2005

HOW do people get that kind of money? I was awarded a Pell Grant and a NC Community College grant and all I have left at the end of each semester is like $40....IF THAT. Plus, I've paid out of pocket for things like the Anatomy Coloring book. I don't understand how people get all this money. I just need enough to cover tuition and books. I'm thrilled with that.
Anyways, I AM going to complain. And I've decided to withdrawl the last few weeks if I can't pull my grade up. I still have an appointment with my advisor tomorrow (as long as they don't cancel classes...callng for snow) and hopefully I can get somewhere.
Thanks so much for all the replies.

People DO get that kind of money. I don't know if that will continue to be the case since there has been a reduction in the amount of Federal aid being awarded to students. But for the most part these students are coming from impoverished families so their efc's (estimated family contribution) is sometimes $0. When I first went to the cc I am taking my pre-req's for the tuition was 1,200 per semester. My Federal Pell grant with my TAP was a total of $3000 per semester so I would get back about 1,800 per semester. Now I was a single mom with no income at the time so I used every penny for books and living expenses etc. This time around I am proud to say I am able to pay my fees out of pocket since I am a working woman with a B.A. But yes, some people are fully aware of the regulations regarding financial aid and will only do the minimum to receive their checks and be able to take out student loans. They are young and dumb and aren't thinking that there will come a time when they really need this assistance they are wasting.

RNPATL, DNP, RN · Feb 2, 2005

Please remember that this forum is for students to post messages so they can receive help with assignments from nurses and other students. While I can respect and appreciate the challenges people face while attending school, this thread has moved significantly off the original topic. If you are interested in discussing items that are related to help with assignments, then we need to move the discussion back to that. Otherwise, please move general discussions to the Student General Discussion Forums.

I am going to relocate this thread to the Student Discussion Forum.

Thank you for your assistance.

RNPATL - Patrick

Co-Moderator

Student Assistance Forum

PhoenixGirl · Feb 2, 2005

So sorry to hear this is happening. If this is indeed a teacher who should not be teaching the subject maybe all the students SHOULD get together and complain? Maybe you guys will get your money back and be able to take the class again (therefore not have to pay for it twice) with a more reputable instructor.

Not sure what to tell you about the grant and grades. I do A&P online with Rio Salado and their class is highly organized and so far has not been that bad. Yea, a lot of homework, but totally doable. JAT.

Rebecca

Hi everyone. My name is Nicole. I'm 27 and ADN is my major...
This is my 2nd semester and I'm taking Anatomy and Physiology I. Not doing well at all. First of all, my instructor is a MATH TEACHER. She's never taught A&P before. She follows a lesson plan given to her by another teacher and is constantly getting things wrong. She tells us incorrect ways to spell things, bounces all over the place, when we have a question, she can't answer it....the list goes on and on. A group of students want to go complain, but I don't see what good it will do. The school is getting their money and the teachers are getting paid. It's a community college.
I studied like never before for my first test and I flunked it REALLY bad. I want to cry. It's like I'm having to teach myself, which is almost impossible when I don't understand what I'm reading. When I ask her a question or to explain something, she doesn't explain at all. Some guy in class today kept asking her to explain about Osteocytes and he finally threw his hands up and said "forget it". I feel so dumb, but I know I'm not!
I HAVE to pass this class. I do NOT want to take it over again. And forget study groups....all they do is sit around talking about guys, going out, etc. I have been out of school for 9 years, married and don't care about the "cute guys on campus", and can't afford to go out. Becoming a nurse has been my dream since I was a little girl. I'm finally getting a chance to make that dream come true and I feel like it will never happen.
We're currently on the Skeletal system. I've printed a ton of worksheet off the class website, but there is just SO MUCH to learn! How will I ever do this?! I study probably 3 hours a day off and on. I have 2 children, so I have to get studying in at various times of the day.
IF I can't get my grades up, should I withdrawl from the class or just fail it and take it again? About half of my class is in it for the 2nd time around. I'm beginning to think that this college is a waste of time and money.
That's another thing. I have grants. If I fail, will I lose my grants? I don't know what to do and I've cried so much that I can't cry anymore!
I have an appointment this Thursday with my advisor. Is there any advice on what I can do or should ask my advisor?
Nicole

purplemania, BSN, RN · Feb 2, 2005

A&P is hard with the best of teachers. So much to memorize. I too recommend withdrawing, writing a letter of complaint (without making it sound too personal), buying an anatomy coloring book (Amazon.com), and locating at least ONE person to study with you. How about a tutor? Do you know an upperclassman or nurse who can tutor you in exchange for a home-cooked meal, or babysitting or money if you have it? If you stay in this class find out from the instructor if the test items are coming from a bank provided by the publisher of the textbook. If so, use the class time to study your text as the lecture is not helping you anyway. Talk to your advisor STAT