Don’t do your homework and still get credit????

That's called grad school.

 

After years in the elementary classroom, I nearly switched over to teaching MS. The Ph.D. offer rescued me from it.

 

Point taken.

 

this. Teaching grad students is usually awesome. So many options and they can almost basically teach themselves. You just facilitate.

 

You could argue that we could save taxpayers money by removing these professors and teachers…if students can teach themselves.
That is awesome.

 

100%

And with classes like math, physics and chemistry the homework is designed to get the student practice the material thus they can do it or know where they need extra help.
It was amazing the difference in my grades when I actually started doing some of the homework. B,C to straight A’s.

 

Blah, nothing wrong with Bs and Cs. Especially if you get to stay out a little later with your friends.
A’s are for nerds.

 

And the lesson that sometimes in life there are stupid things we have to do regardless if we want to or not.
I deal with it almost every day.

 

Yeah that was my way in HS and early college. Many A’s in there too.
It wasn’t until I decided to go to PA school and needed the better grades that I really tried. Then I was like why didn’t I put forth a bit of effort before. Live and learn.

 

But they all follow very concrete rules.

Not like english, ugh.

 

Don't get me started...

 

well it’s more complicated than that at the grad level. Grad students can teach themselves but they need guidance. Especially through the research literature. We always say grad students are the captains of their own ships- faculty at that stage are supposed to be like guides or advisors, because they’ve sailed the waters and know the literature. So for example if some grad student comes and says I want to learn about experiential learning but doesn’t know where to start someone can say - go read Dewey and Kolb, etc and then come back and we can discuss it over time to help build your understanding.

 

I was just being too hot.

 

I agree with it. No efforts - no points. Giving 50% to students who did nothing and to another student who decided some efforts but made mistakes is not fair.
But I think that getting rid of homework at all is not the best idea. At least it's a chance to practice more an improve skills and knowledge. But then the system needs some optimization for homework not taking so much time.

 

The decline in vocational programs directly coincides with the rise of “every child deserves to go to college” movement.

 

I agree with your perspective on grading homework. Awarding points should be a reflection of effort and understanding. Homework is an opportunity for students to reinforce learning and gain extra points, which is especially helpful for those who may struggle with exams. Giving a minimum score for no effort doesn't seem fair to those who genuinely try. Transparency in grading is key to maintaining a fair and motivating educational environment.

 

It also directly coincides with attacks on unions, declining job security, the rise in foreign outsourcing, declining starting pay relative to the cost of living, etc ...