Wednesday, December 07, 2011

The Magic 8-Ball approach to student questions


"When will you give us back our papers?"

When they are graded.


"Will you give them back to us at the next class?"

Cannot predict now.

"What did you think of my paper in particular?"

Ask again later.

"Will we get them back before the final?"

All signs point to yes.


"Can I email you multiple times asking you 'what if?' scenarios about my grade and following up with demands for more calculations on your part?"

My reply is no.


"Will you be annoyed if I try to engage you in such an email exchange?"

Most likely.


"Can I ask you for an exact accounting of my grade after class when you are trying to get out of the room before the next class?"

Don't count on it.


"Am I going to pass this class if I don't make it to the final?"

Better not tell you now.

6 comments:

Stacey Lee Donohue said...

That's fabulous, Undine!

Dame Eleanor Hull said...

I may post this on my office door at the end of every semester.

Ink said...

Brilliant! Love it.

Miriam said...

Will X be on the final?

I don't know; I haven't written it yet.

undine said...

Thanks, Stacey, Dame Eleanor, and Ink! I wish I had thought to bring one with me to class for exactly these questions.

undine said...

Thanks, Miriam! I actually say this to them.