sticky instructor situation

[weezergrl456]

Hi, I'm in my last semester of nursing school...and came across a very bias instructor who plays favorites to a point that is not fair grade wise...for example, we recently had a group project due and her fav. students were in a group that's presentation was doing so poorly, she stopped them and spoke with them in the hall, because they did not follow the rubric properly. One of the fave. student confided in my that they stole powerpoint off the internet and they lied about attending a support group for their topic that was part of the requirements. I am doing fine in the class and all, but what really bothers me is she gave that group all the credit for the project, and docked my group, who was the only group who did actually attend the support group, the other groups outside of her favorites at least admitted to not attending. Anyways, I just feel that the instructor has acted pretty unethical as seeing that she gave them 100% on the project when no other group received that and all the other groups presentations were much better....do I bother talking to her? the dean? or just leave it alone? I want to finish and really don't want to ruffle any feathers, but my conscience is bothered by her unfair bias towards these students..mayber after grad. is a better time?? Thanks for your input, just a tad bit frustrated as I put alot of time and effort in to the project and got a worse grade, than others who so obviously did not and they received the full credit...any advice or input is appreciated. =)

[ctdismukes]

When I first read your posted I wanted to tell you "Fight the Power!"

But alas I know I wouldn't have if I were you.

At this point in the game, you only have to deal with her for a few more weeks. Just take a deep breath and let it ride. You have enough on your plate right now with exit exams and the NCLEX right around the corner. Because that team plagerized... they have only cheated themselves. Don't doddle in their petty games. You know you'll get yours... and that's all you need to focus your energy on.

Good luck kiddo.

[Not_A_Hat_Person, RN]

Once you have graduated, go to the Dean en masse.

[simboka]

instructor evals? as long as you do well enough in class, I agree, bide your time.

[nursel56]

I've got to agree with everyone. It is irritating, but it's best if you finish what is important in your life, right now-- don't see much plus side in ruffling feathers at this late stage. Best wishes!

[naturopathlpn]

Yup, ride it out. Then talk to someone after you graduate. Don't jeopardize your degree. If s/he is that biased, they'll do it again. Good luck!

[systoly]

If you're doing fine in class, you have nothing to gain but headaches. Besides, you'd most likely get an answer such as, " Life isn't fair", and while trite, it is a fact

that's ever present. Everybody has seen some folks get promotions over others who seem much more qualified.

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

I agree, keep your head down and out of whacking range, get through school, and then if you still want to follow through, then go ahead.

[latebloomer74, LPN]

It's all too common. Was the same way in my program. It's BS and everyone knows it. Go to the dean after you graduate and if that doesn't work go to the state board. She'll never stop if you don't try and do something about it.

[SkeesB]

Taking PPs off line, getting special attention from instructors...only hurts the person in the end. Like everyone said above, I would look the other way for now and keep doing what your doing, being honest, following rubrics, and learning the right way. Things are not fair, unfortunatly...but in the end karma comes out. Hang in there. Congrats on your last semester, it will go by so fast.

[Penguin67]

One point to consider in all of this is that the instructor did not know that the one group didn't attend the support group, so she graded according to what she knew. The other groups admitted to not going, so she graded them accordingly. You cannot expect the instructor to take off for them not attending the support group if she didn't know.

If you want to talk to the instructor and tell her what you know, then by all means do so. You can ask for your conversation to remain anonymous. If you would prefer to wait until after graduation, that is ok, too, but won't change their grade at all. Same thing if you want to mention this on the evaluation. If I were the instructor, I would want to know this before the grades were in, so I could assign the grades that were actually earned.

Good luck with this. It is often hard to do the right thing.

Penguin 67

[ohmylove]

I was going to say, you could mention this to the dean. But in all honesty I don't know what good this is going to do. In my program we have 2 different instructors for theory. But we all have the same tests and lectures.. however the other theory class gets extra credit points for everything. Whereas, my class has to work their butts off to make the grade. I could complain to the dean.. but I want to just ride it out because I believe it is going to make me a better nurse in the end :) It is also rewarding when you know you worked hard to earn the grade no matter what the grade is(as long as its passing )

So I would say you can just go with the flow you're very close to graduating!