Posts Tagged "failure"

If Your Prof Sends a Cryptic Message, You Deserve a Translation

Posted by on Aug 6, 2012 in Communicating with Professors, General | 4 comments

(On the heels of the recent grade dispute posts, another e-mail arrived with a student question about a failing grade. Unfortunately, I don’t have enough details yet to adequately present this situation, but one piece concerned me. I’ll focus on that part now and elaborate on the specifics once I have further information). “I do not plan to fail anyone. That’s all I’ll say.” This was a response that a student apparently received from a professor, via e-mail, when asked why they failed their course and if there is anything they can do about it. Haven’t we all been on the giving or receiving end of this type of communication? When...

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“I feel completely powerless.” More From The Student Whose Grade Tanked.

Posted by on Jul 24, 2012 in Communicating with Professors, General | 28 comments

(I didn’t properly message my stay-cation of last week. I apologize about that! Back to business here, and revisiting the post about the student whose term ended and received a grade that he was not expecting because the prof changed the grade standards. Based on a follow-up comment that just came in, we’re continuing that conversation now. I encourage everyone to please weigh in for encouragement or feedback!) Here were some Twitter comments from the last post: Kathryn Siranosian (@corpwriters said): This happened to my son, too! “The class had too many As” on the final (including his). Samra Bufkins MJ, APR ‏(@Samjb said): No! That can’t...

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Will You Become “Unbroken” With Me?

Posted by on Jun 26, 2012 in General, General College Success/Responses to Other College Entities | 8 comments

(Small diversion from my usual, but my usual will be back. Between now and into fall and 2013, I’m going to commence an intermittent series of posts dedicated to students—anyone—who is having to redo, retool, or just plain start again. Read on and I’ll explain…) My goal was to get in and out as quickly as I could. I didn’t have the strength for conversation. I couldn’t make eye contact. Given how much I love people, talking with them, experiencing them, my momentary shielding of self would have been a clue that something was not right with me right now. I filled out my waiver and sure enough, a chirpy woman began friendly banter. “You doing the half or...

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The Response: Should You Tell Your Professor About Your Anxiety/Depression?

Posted by on Jun 5, 2012 in Communicating with Professors, General | 17 comments

(When we left off last week, a student wrote in wondering if is appropriate to tell a prof about issues with anxiety/depression that could affect class performance. I am simplifying, but here’s the post. Here is my response to the student. I also consulted Jennifer Sandler, who heads up Access/Disability Services at Highline Community College, for back-up).  Dear Student, I’m going to attempt to give you the best advice that I can. Not to get too cheerleader-y on you, but I’d like to first celebrate the fact that you’re moving forward! Many people with anxiety/depression would stay stuck and not even try to battle through it. You are in the...

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The Discussion Continues with the First-Gen Student

Posted by on May 4, 2012 in Communicating with Professors, General | 4 comments

(I mentioned in my last post that I already had some particulars on the situation with the first-gen student. Here is the rest of the story. Students, maybe you’ve faced this situation where you found that there were other things that fueled your passion way more than your schoolwork. Then, you had a hard time focusing on assignments, studying, etc. Well, let me tell you, you don’t have to be in college for that to happen! Read on for more of the story–and some advice that may help you deal with this issue while you’re in school!). Dear Ellen, Thanks for replying and being genuinely concerned. As to your first set of questions dealing with my...

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