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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Poet on February 22, 2007, at 10:11:01
We have no calendar with quizes or assignment due dates. So far, all we've done is group work and this is a writing class. We get into these small groups and sort of merge our work together (on paper, no access to a computer in class) so it's a jumbled mess. We don't hand anything in, just talk about it in class.
I've taken many writing classes and none were like this is. Even the college I attended that was pass/fail (loved it, wish they taught what I'm taking now) made it clear how we were going to demonstrate our understanding of the material and what written assignments were expected.
I know I'm obsessive and like things all laid out neatly, but this is really bugging me. I talked to some other people in class and they are either like me, confused, or think that he's just slowly getting us up to speed in writing. Though if that's true, shouldn't we know what it is we will be writing for grading?
I'm into my full blown got to get an A in this class and how can I get an A if I don't know what it takes to get one? Argh. I don't think the instructor has taught before because he should know that we need some guidelines. Or at least I do.
At least I'm getting a solid A in my other class, where I know when quizes are and what assignments are due.
Poet
Posted by Gee on February 22, 2007, at 12:07:34
In reply to Four classes in and no mention of grading, posted by Poet on February 22, 2007, at 10:11:01
You should go ask for a course outline, and the grading expectations. If you went during his office hours, maybe it would remind him that he still needed to give one out? I hate talking to profs... good luck!
Posted by Poet on February 23, 2007, at 9:18:30
In reply to Re: Four classes in and no mention of grading » Poet, posted by Gee on February 22, 2007, at 12:07:34
Hi Gee,
In all my other classes the course outline was handed out in the first class, I don't think he has one and is just winging it. He also doesn't have office hours: this is the only class he teaches and is only on campus for it. He gave us his day job phone number if we have questions or have to miss a class. I'm not comfortable calling it because he's an attorney and I can't imagine he really wants to hear from students. I hate this.
Poet
Posted by Gee on February 23, 2007, at 12:22:44
In reply to Re: Four classes in and no mention of grading » Gee, posted by Poet on February 23, 2007, at 9:18:30
That's way too weird! I thought they had to hand out a course outline at the beginning of class. Something about a "contractual agreement between prof and student"... or something like that. Could you ask him before or after class? No office hours? Way too weird.
Posted by philyra on February 24, 2007, at 7:46:28
In reply to Re: Four classes in and no mention of grading, posted by Gee on February 23, 2007, at 12:22:44
Poet, i would recommend you and a few other students emailing him to ask for a syllabus and an exlanation of assignments and grading. maybe if he gets a message signed from a few of you he'll wake up.
not having a syllabus seems like an irresponsible idea. it's definitely a contract - and if there's no contract in place, well...he's an attorney, he should be able to figure it out.
i took a class with someone like that once. it was really uncomfortable, and i was angry. seemed like the instructor wasn't taking things seriously.
philyra
Posted by Poet on February 24, 2007, at 14:24:58
In reply to Re: Four classes in and no mention of grading, posted by Gee on February 23, 2007, at 12:22:44
Hi Gee,
What I'd really like to ask him is if he's ever taught a class before. I expect I all ready know the answer. If he springs surprise quizes on us, I am reporting him to the department head. I may do that anyway as he's not a great instructor. I am so bored I counted the number of times he said *okay:* 184 in two hours.
Poet
Posted by Poet on February 24, 2007, at 14:28:37
In reply to Re: Four classes in and no mention of grading, posted by philyra on February 24, 2007, at 7:46:28
Hi Philyra,
Get ready to laugh. He gave us his email address, but said he's not technical, and rarely looks at it. Maybe I can get the people who are always in my group assignments to ambush him with me after class. Then again maybe we all get As just for putting up with him.
Poet
Posted by philyra on February 25, 2007, at 13:03:28
In reply to Re: Four classes in and no mention of grading » philyra, posted by Poet on February 24, 2007, at 14:28:37
Hi Poet,
Yikes!
I think talking to him after class would be a really good approach. If that doesn't work, I'd recommend sending an email to your department chair, again signed by a few of you. It's a good idea to cover your back...communicating grade expectations is pretty basic and you guys deserve that!
keep me posted!
take care, philyra
Posted by Poet on February 28, 2007, at 21:11:05
In reply to Re: Four classes in and no mention of grading » Poet, posted by philyra on February 25, 2007, at 13:03:28
which leads me to wonder if that's why he gave us our first graded assignment which is due in two weeks. He told her that he wouldn't spring surprises on us, but he will be a very picky grader. I'm not that frightened as I'm a very picky writer and proofreader, and since I have two weeks to tackle the assignment I can be extra picky. Though I am frantic to get all As this semester. I know I'm nuts.
Poet
Posted by Gee on March 4, 2007, at 12:16:47
In reply to A Brave Student (not me) Asked Him, posted by Poet on February 28, 2007, at 21:11:05
I'm glad you know now!
This is the end of the thread.
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