Literal-mindednesss and academia

[rainbow_goddess]

A couple of nights ago I was at a party, and one of the other people at the party was a university professor. She said that the first assignment she gave her students was to send her an e-mail. In the e-mail, they were supposed to include their name, their hometown, and their major. That's all she told them. She didn't say to include anything else

Comments

[anais_pf]

I agree with you 100%. I might have replied to the professor, "Isn't it your job to teach us things instead of downgrading us for not 'just knowing' things?" Sheesh.

[pklemica]

On the one hand, yes this is ridiculous, and on the other hand that's how the rest of the world is going to continue treating us outside of school as well so mostly what I'm wondering is how she used this assignment. Was the point just for her to feel clever, and not even tell them their scores? Or does she use this as a teachable moment, have a conversation about unspoken assumptions and business relationships and the unfairness of it all, and encourage people to keep an eye out for moments they're following stated rules without really paying mind to the unstated social niceties

[calico_pye]

I am a mature student with the same problem. I have had a problem re referecning my work recently and was scolded for it in an essay that I handed in. I hadn't realised and apparently people aren't told, they should just 'know' about it. HOW?????

[lordhellebore]

Giving a zero for this is silly. However, even as child, I was taught to start a letter (and later an e-mail) with "Dear [name of recipient]", and end wit with a phrase like "Regards/Sincerely [my name]". It's basically done in every single e-mail I've ever written or received. But again, giving a zero is silly - it might come off as rude not to include an address and/or sign, but not grounds enough for a zero.

[mplsindygirl]

I dislike assumptions. Strongly. And that kind of set up for failure just hurts the students from day one.

Unless, like pklemica suggested, the teacher uses the lesson as a tool to start an effective conversation with the students.