One of my instructors usually doesn't curve grades, but if the class doesn't do very well, she'll throw a few extra points in. The problem is when enough students, like myself, do well enough that the instructor feels she can't justify a curve, which happens more often than not.
I've gotten used to people complaining about it, and I don't care that much anymore about the nasty remarks. But I can't figure what they expect us to do? Bomb on the test so they can make a better grade?
The weird thing is, right before the test, a lot of these people ask me to explain certain things. I'm always happy to help and have even given out my phone number to call if they get stuck on something. But they never call. They only ask at the last minute right before the test when it's not going to do much good.
Then they complain that it's the teachers fault, that she didn't explain this or that properly, etc. Although she is actually being generous in offering curve points to begin with, since the vast majority of instructors don't do that.
One girl, who also asked for help right before the test, was very upset when the grades were posted afterward, since she didn't do very well. So, I said, "Look, why don't you call me, and maybe I can help you for next time."
Maybe it was pride or something, but she basically told me to go to hell, although in more colorful language than this board will allow to be posted. I guess I shouldn't have offered to help in the first place, or maybe I phrased it the wrong way although I certainly was trying to be sensitive, but it's really weird. Maybe she was upset because I blew the curve, but I was, afterall, only trying to help.
