Was my physics teacher justified in giving me a zero on the test?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Dynamis
  • Start date Start date
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers around a student's experience during a physics test where the teacher failed to provide essential information, specifically the radius in a conical pendulum question. This oversight led the student to spend excessive time on that question, ultimately resulting in an inability to complete the test. The teacher's decision to give the student a zero after a brief confrontation was deemed unjustified by several forum participants, who suggested that the student should appeal to higher authorities, including the principal, for a resolution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly mechanics and pendulum motion.
  • Familiarity with test-taking strategies, including time management and prioritization.
  • Knowledge of school policies regarding grading and appeals processes.
  • Awareness of the emotional and psychological impact of academic pressure.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research school policies on test grading and the appeals process for unfair grading.
  • Learn effective test-taking strategies, such as how to manage time and prioritize questions.
  • Investigate support resources available for students facing academic challenges, including counseling services.
  • Explore the role of teachers in providing accurate information and the implications of their errors on student performance.
USEFUL FOR

Students facing academic challenges, parents seeking to understand educational policies, and educators looking to improve their assessment practices and communication with students.

  • #31
Moonbear said:
https://www.physicsforums.com/announcement.php?f=14

:eek:
right after i made that post I realized that i was in here and thought about it for a second :bugeye:
me=stupid :(
 
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  • #32
Dynamis said:
This was situation, in the end, was a good learning experience. The Dean did give me the advice of having to be able to finish tests in time and to revise that part of my test taking skills (his response was pretty similar to some of you guys). I agreed myself, maybe I'll make a thread asking for help sometime in the future. But yeah, thanks for the advice guys, in the end, everything worked out, I guess this whole experience was a testament to the saying; "you live, you learn".

I'm glad things worked out in a way that everyone can agree with and that you've found something positive in the experience. :smile:
 
  • #33
Moonbear said:
I'm glad things worked out in a way that everyone can agree with and that you've found something positive in the experience. :smile:
I second that. The only thing that I might advise further is to keep an eye out for traps. This guy sounds like a vindictive twit, so he might deliberately try to trick you into getting yourself in trouble. Be on your best behaviour.
 
  • #34
:biggrin: I am so very pleased that you fought the good fight and won! :biggrin:

I utterly despise injustice from any authority, especially one that is supposed to be serving your best interest. :mad:

Lets review your accomplishments:

1-You bravely stood up to a superior force that had all the advantages on its side.

2-If the dean's decision had gone against you, the repercussions could have made things even worse. Despite this risk, you kept going until justice was served.

3-You established a precedent of sorts. It's highly unlikely that this teacher will try that kind of nonsense again, and highly likely that he would have if you had let him get away with it, not only against you but against other students as well for as long as he works there. Also, word will get around that the dean won't tolerate that from the teachers.

4-You learned something about yourself and your ability to Fight The Power and win! Priceless!

I'm proud of you. I hope you are proud of yourself.

Did you enjoy fighting and winning? Two words: Law School

FIAT JUSTICIA RUAT COELUM
 
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  • #35
Type 7 said:
Did you enjoy fighting and winning? Two words: Law School

FIAT JUSTICIA RUAT COELUM
You must be getting great marks! That's the most eloquent introduction to an commercial I've seen in quite some time. :biggrin:
I agree with your assessment, though.
 
  • #36
Thank GOD my mom works at the schoolboard. :D

I would have made his life a living HELL!

Pranks everyday. :D
 
  • #37
Alkatran said:
I agree. Teacher's aren't perfect.

If there is anything I learned in school, I learned that...

TEACHER'S ARE RETARDS.

Note: My above fact is becoming more accurate as I do my post-secondary education because I *bump* into other prospective teachers. So far, things don't seem too promising for the future of teachers.
 
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