We were nearing the end of Bio 101. I was painfully aware that many students had not yet grasped the basic concepts of the course, so decided to make one last attempt to help them do so, while also making it possible for them to raise their grade.
My Offer
“I want to talk about the final exam.” The class became quiet. “I’ve decided to make it an essay test.”
Groans arose on every side, but I pressed on. “There will be ten questions posted on the board tomorrow. Of those, five will be on the exam and you’ll be expected to answer three.”
Hands flew up around the room. “Hey Doc, d’you mean that you’ll show us the actual questions that’ll be on the test …the exact same ones?”
“Yes, the questions cover the course content, and so, if you learn the answers, we both benefit. You’ll get a good grade, and I’ll be happy you learned the course material.”
“Can we check our answers with you beforehand?”
“Yes, I’ll tell you where you need to improve, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get 100% on this exam.”
The Response
Unfortunately, only ten students sent me answers to check. So, as a last-ditch attempt to prepare them for the next course, I held an optional review session where I covered the answers to each of the questions. Fifteen students turned up. This confirmed my suspicion that poor grades are not necessarily the fault of the teacher.
Evan’s Plea
Two days before the final exam, Evan came to see me during my office hours. During the semester, he’d only turned up for class 50% of the time and rarely turned in homework. Now, he was hopping from one foot to the other. “Dr. Crocker, Dr. Crocker, I need a ‘C.’ Please, I’ll do ANYTHING!”
“Evan, I don’t think that it’s possible now. Earlier in the semester, I warned you, but now the best you can do is a “D.” I’m sorry. You’ll have to try again next semester.”
“But I neeeed this class to graduate. How about giving me an extra credit project?”
“Evan, it’s too late. Your past grades have been too bad. There’s nothing I can do.”
I got up, gathered my things, and proceeded to my car, with Evan following all the way. He continued to beg and became more and more adamant and agitated. I once again explained about consistent study habits, but he seemed not to hear. Eventually, I got in the car and drove away. He was still talking.
Evan’s Offer
The next day, Evan again appeared in my office. This time, he was trembling and sweating. “Dr. Crocker, you have to let me turn in an extra paper or something. I can’t repeat the class. Or I could do some work on your house…or, or, or fix your car. Please, anything. Anything.” He waggled his eyebrows up and down suggestively. “I have to get a “C.”
“Anything?”
Evan looked hopeful. “Yes, anything.”
I couldn’t resist. “You mean…” Long pause. “Study? Next time, of course.”
“Dr. Crocker!” Evan wailed.
“Seriously, Evan, it’s no use. I can’t give you any advantage that other students don’t have.”
The Threat
Evan drew in closer, so much that I could smell his sweat. I edged towards the door of the faculty office. He was a big person, and his voice was growing progressively louder. I was relieved when a male teacher entered the office, quickly realized the situation, and told Evan to leave in no uncertain terms.
On exam day, Evan turned up as I was photocopying the exams just before class. Knowing this might happen, I had warned security. When he followed me to the class, they escorted him away. It wasn’t something I enjoyed having to do, but it did have a good effect.
I met Evan several years later, still at the college, but now working hard and succeeding. Surprisingly, he remembered me with affection as the one who finally convinced him that there was no way to excel in school except through hard work. He later took a different and more advanced class from me and earned a B.
Being a teacher can be about sticking to your principles, even when it’s scary.
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