Is it ehical for a college teacher to sell x-tra midterm questions that wasnt gone over w/ the class @ a whole
Question by michelle w: Is it ehical for a college teacher to sell x-tra midterm questions that wasnt gone over w/ the class @ a whole
I am a single mom /college student who has an A average & works very hard for that A. Most of my classmate are like myself. We have a midterm in a week, and our teacher gave us what questions would be on the midterm (its a very large test , will take a couple hrs) She offered (for a fee) a tutoring session for whover wanted her to go over the test in more detail. We have found out however, that additional questions will be on the test, and the info was only privy to those who paid her. The x-tra questions cover material that we have not even gone over. Needless to say I and my classmates are very discouraged & not sure who to speak to in our school for fear the teacher will find out and take points off our tests to give us a low grade. (part of our test is a practical demonstation, so she has the power to do so) Help! Any advice would be great.
Best answer:
Answer by boz4425
I would go to the Vice President of Academic Affairs if I were you. That is wrong and she can’t do that and I’m sure she will get in trouble for trying to take advantage of students for her own monetary gain.
Go to whoever you have to that is in the chain of command until you get justice. And once you take the test, demand to have it back once graded and check to see that she graded it fairly and correctly.
Give your answer to this question below!
March 9th, 2011 at 9:22 am
This is completly unethical!! Most schools have an ethics committee that you can appeal to. Alternatively you need to speak to the junior dean, maybe as a group. If you feel that the marks that you get in the test are not as you would expect make sure that you appeal.
March 9th, 2011 at 9:37 am
First of all, this sounds like an indirect form of extortion to me.
Go to the dean of your college – if it’s a university, to the dean of your individual college. If there is anything to be done, they will be able to help you, or help find someone who can. You are already paying tuition for the class, you should not be obligated to pay for an extra tutoring session.
March 9th, 2011 at 10:15 am
How did you come about this information?
Could it just be a rumor?
I would take my test and get my grade.
You will know after the test if there was material that was not covered. However, if this material was in text or other references you were to read on your own, you are still responsible for knowing, even if it was not covered in class.
If you feel these extra questions lowered your grade, you should go to your department head.
March 9th, 2011 at 10:47 am
Great question. Im sorry for what you went through. I recently graduated from a prominent university and I could understand what you are going through.
First of all, your professor should of held the extra tutoring session for free. I know that in many colleges, the rules and regulations forbid professors from making money off of instructing course (except when they write course books,lab books, etc to sell). Secondly, giving those students who went to a tutoring session questions that she/he didnt cover in class in absolutely unfair to all the students who couldn’t afford to come. Its unfair to be tested over stuff that wasnt even covered in the regular class time.
My sister was in the same situation that you are in. She went straight to the dean her professor worked under, and told him what happened. When the dean addressed the professor, she felt insulted and did take her embarrassment out on the students by harder tests, and harder grading. I don’t know what would happen if you were to do the same, but my best advice is to approach the professor with a couple of people that agree with what you said. Tell him/her about your concerns in a positive manner and make it clear to him/her that you and others feel you weren’t given a fair chance in the test. Im sure your professor will think about the situation and reconsider how this aspect of the class is run. If he doesn’t then you and a couple of students need to go to the dean to address the issue. Afterall, you paid for this course and you deserve a fair grade.
I hope my advice helps and I am wishing you the best of luck for this course and all your future courses. Im sure you’re not only a great mom but will be a great career woman as well!!!
March 9th, 2011 at 11:44 am
I’d still go to someone AS A GROUP and make your complaints known. If this is in fact what she’s really doing, it’s highly unethical and a cause for concern for the school…Not to mention classist. Wealthier students already have major advantages in education, and your teacher is just increasing those advantages by offering the tutoring (and additional questions) for a fee. SO not okay.
March 9th, 2011 at 12:09 pm
I’m only a high school teacher, but I know its written in our contract that we cannot charge our students for extra teaching or tutoring. We can tutor other students who are not in our classes for pay, but we can’t do what you’re describing.
I doubt it’s any different in the college where you go, and I bet she’s breaking her contract.
I would definitely go to the Dean, and I would document any difficulties that may result. If she does try to retaliate, it will be worse for her, especially if you band several classmates together and stand against her as a group.