Yes, Virginia. There is such a thing as a Stupid Question

In Academia by J Michel MetzLeave a Comment

I knew that when I returned to the classroom I was going to be subjected to all the familiar stupid student questions, but even I wasn’t prepared for this: “If I don’t turn in my paper, will I still get credit for it?” While many students have asked similar questions in class, this was the first time I had ever gotten it so blatant and overt. And so insane.

Philosophy of Grading

In Academia, Philosophy by J Michel MetzLeave a Comment

Perhaps there is nothing more controversial in a classroom as the grading procedures. I have long been an staunch critic of the traditional “percentage” system of grading, for a number of reasons. As I enter the classroom yet again, my controversial system is again called in question, and I feel that perhaps this might be a useful description of why and how I grade the way I do.

The Big Deal About Cheating

In Academia by J Michel MetzLeave a Comment

We’re told often that cheating is a bad thing, that it will only hurt the cheater in the long run. Cheating is like masturbation – everyone’s done it but no one admits it. If it is self-abuse (I’m talking about cheating now) then why should we care? Why do we get upset over someone who cheats?