Still not on a good start for Gen Chem 1 lab....

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a student's struggles with lab grades in a General Chemistry 1 course. The student expresses frustration over receiving low scores despite following lab instructions and completing assignments. The conversation explores the differences between lab work and traditional coursework, as well as the student's concerns about academic performance and future opportunities.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (OP) reports receiving low grades (88 and 74) in lab despite believing they completed the work correctly.
  • Some participants suggest the OP should respectfully inquire with the professor about the grading criteria and seek feedback.
  • The OP expresses confusion about the grading process in labs compared to traditional classes, noting that lab instructors seem stricter.
  • Another participant challenges the OP's comments about academic performance related to ethnicity, suggesting it may be perceived as racist.
  • The OP defends their statement, asserting it was meant as a compliment and discusses their academic background and challenges.
  • Participants question the OP's expectations regarding lab performance and the appropriateness of seeking help on an internet forum.
  • The OP mentions that their lab work is still with the professor and they plan to discuss their grades during office hours.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus among participants. While some provide advice on how to approach the professor and improve lab performance, others express skepticism about the OP's perspective and the validity of their concerns.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a range of opinions on academic expectations and the subjective nature of grading in laboratory settings. The OP's attachment containing lab work is not accessible to other participants, limiting the ability to provide specific feedback.

  • #61
JoeyCentral said:
Well, here is a draft of my pre-lab. This isn't perfect, but I did spend more time with the writing this time. The speed it took for me to write was much slower, however, so jotting down quick notes in my notebook in classes where professors do not repeat what they have said will obviously look much sloppier than actually putting effort. But then again, I can just re-write the notes after class, so it might not be such a big deal. Anyways, I promise not to be too critical on any criticism this time.
Some of how you write symbols might be a matter of style, which the person reviewing your work for grading purposes, might be picky about. I find MOST of your work readable. Not very neat, but readable.
 
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  • #62
JoeyCentral said:
Well, here is a draft of my pre-lab. This isn't perfect, but I did spend more time with the writing this time. The speed it took for me to write was much slower, however, so jotting down quick notes in my notebook in classes where professors do not repeat what they have said will obviously look much sloppier than actually putting effort. But then again, I can just re-write the notes after class, so it might not be such a big deal. Anyways, I promise not to be too critical on any criticism this time.
Don't write powers of 10n as En. You aren't working with a computer, so it's better to use scientific notation. It might also be worth you considering writing in block capitals to make your handwriting more legibile.
 
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  • #63
JoeyCentral said:
Well, here is a draft of my pre-lab. This isn't perfect, but I did spend more time with the writing this time. The speed it took for me to write was much slower, however, so jotting down quick notes in my notebook in classes where professors do not repeat what they have said will obviously look much sloppier than actually putting effort. But then again, I can just re-write the notes after class, so it might not be such a big deal. Anyways, I promise not to be too critical on any criticism this time.

It's not very neat, but it's better than last time. The first draft you posted had some things I could barely read, it's much better now. Maybe before writing you can draw some horizontal lines in pencil so you write in straight lines.
 

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