Professors

[nrsstudent2010]

Just wondering how many of you have a problem with your professors. I have an issue this semester, and I have gone straight to them with the issues I have and nothing is resolved. For example, regarding test questions. I found exact page numbers with the answer to the test on it yet she refuses to give rationale or the reason why it was marked wrong, so I'm losing the points. How is this facilitating learning?

I emailed my concerns and received nothing back. I followed up with her and basically was told, "sorry if your discouraged" and that was it. As a class we've brought it to her attention but she says we don't have time to talk about it, and that's that.

Who else can I take this to? This isn't the first exam it's happened on. It's at least 5-6 questions, and we receive no feedback from her. MY GPA is taking a hit and it's really frustrating. There are several other students who feel the same.

Would you just take the hit on your grade and move on or would you try and fight for your points, and how far do you go regarding this matter?

Thanks in advance!

[ParkerBC,MSN,RN, PhD, RN]

I am sorry you are having these problems. There is a process by which a student files a grievance. I am not sure of the policy for your school, but generally you talk with your instructor first. If that doesn’t work, then you move the program Chairperson. If that doesn’t work, then you go to the Dean. Again, I am not acclimated to your school, but where I teach, we generally have the final say. In other words, if I am not willing to budge to give you points for your questions, then I reserve that right. However, I think every professor should provide rationale behind the questions. Have you tried making an appointment to discuss it in private? Generally, office hours are the only hours we have free. There is a ton of work on our plate besides lecturing the course. Many students don’t get the opportunity to see that.

I honestly don’t know if I would rock the boat. If the test scores are not causing you to fail, I would probably just move forward.

I am sorry. I wish I had more for you. Good luck.

[nrsstudent2010]

I am sorry you are having these problems. There is a process by which a student files a grievance. I am not sure of the policy for your school, but generally you talk with your instructor first. If that doesn't work, then you move the program Chairperson. If that doesn't work, then you go to the Dean. Again, I am not acclimated to your school, but where I teach, we generally have the final say. In other words, if I am not willing to budge to give you points for your questions, then I reserve that right. However, I think every professor should provide rationale behind the questions. Have you tried making an appointment to discuss it in private? Generally, office hours are the only hours we have free. There is a ton of work on our plate besides lecturing the course. Many students don't get the opportunity to see that.

I honestly don't know if I would rock the boat. If the test scores are not causing you to fail, I would probably just move forward.

I am sorry. I wish I had more for you. Good luck.

Thanks for your response, I really appreciate it! After sleeping on the situationI think I am just going to move forward. Like you said, it's probably not worth it to rock the boat. I'm going to follow up with my email about the test questions and just ask for further clarification after my next class. Hopefully that'll help.