Crunching the numbers, a/k/a another semester in which nothing is accomplished.

I present to you another installment of Great Moments in Mediocrity.

Two learning support classes taught this spring, about 38 students. Without the numbers in front of me, I can say that 85% got C's, 10% B's, and the rest either IP (D in this system) or F. No A's, yet again. It isn't as stinky as a year ago, but there are still poop odors I'm trying to get out of the room. And I so wish we could assign pluses and minuses, because it would be more accurate. I had about 10 students who came within 1-2 points of failing.

Why? Why would you spend good money to take these classes which a placement test said you have to take, classes you would not choose to be in voluntarily, go 15 weeks, and get to the end just to learn you've done average work? You can do average work anywhere--why continue to do only what's expected? Why would you not take an active interest in your education?

I know, I know--we're talking aesthetics.

I hate to say it again, but today was another day in which I barely controlled my temper. One class was stubborn as all hell. Didn't do their homework prior, didn't want to do the work in class, bored, listless, thinking of who they're gonna screw this weekend. Today was the day they found out their final grades, which in this course is but the first of three hoops they must jump through to get through our learning support exit procedure. Some of these guys, the C-minusers? I worry for them. They could pass if they manage to squelch their ADD for a day. Me, I'm ready to get through this and get on with the wedding.