April 3, 2008
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Some of the Ways Students & People Handle
Unexpected Writing Assignments
(or Anything Unexpected):
1. “This is a wacko assignment.” The quicker we label, the better.
2. “I’m sure there’s some benefit, but…” The benefits of the assignment fall onto someone else.
3. “If the teacher would JUST tell me what she wants, then…” I’m looking for a quick way out of this.
4. “If she would explain this better, then…” Moves blame onto someone else.
5. “I’ll do the bare minimum and make up for it later.” The strategy of surrendering the best outcome.
6. “I’m stupid; I don’t get it.” Self-blame works.
7. “The teacher hates me…” This excuse shifts the blame & responsibility too.
8. “I didn’t pay to take a class that…” Blame the whole system!
[From You Want Us To Do What? by Ruth Mirtz]
Comments (3)
Why isn’t “Shit, think quick” up there?
It’s a question of avoiding the complete package of legitimate purpose, proper execution, and fairness. If they have cause to doubt any part of it, they can excuse themselves somehow.
The mind is a tricky thing.
Fortunate I need to permit you must be wholly reasonable like each time
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