It’s funny because it’s true.

I caught this video called “I am worried about my grade” for the first time today and laughed out loud, all by myself in my house. I might have even snorted a little.

This exact same conversation might have happened to me last week. In fact, hey, wait a minute! I think it did!

Let’s see…about 6 students who, although my attendance policy clearly says you’re only allowed to miss 3 classes before it affects your grade, have missed 4 or more. Several haven’t submitted at least 2 homework assignments. Although participation is 10% of the grade, and what I expect in order to earn participation points is clearly explained on the syllabus, at least 4 students will get no points…

I give two quizzes per semester, and both are OPEN NOTES. Still only a handful earn 100% scores.

And then they ask for extra credit as if it’s an inalienable right?

Maybe I’m just getting too old for this crap. But what on earth are students learning in grade school that lets them think this behavior is acceptable? Why is it the rule, rather than the exception? Is it the fault of teachers who are so anxious to be liked that they forget to enforce rules? Or is it the parents, who offer rewards when a kid simply doesn’t cause trouble?

Pardon my rant, but I’m pretty sure this video will be a standard part of my required class curriculum from now on. And the minute I hear any of this nonsense, I dock points for stupidity.