G. Keenan wrote:In my entire education I never challenged a grade or blamed the professor when I got a lower grade than I hoped for. I always thought I should have tried harder. It wouldn't even have occurred to me to challenge the grade on some technicality. If anything, professors usually grade too generously.
I think that's kind of foolish. There is nothing inherently wrong with challenging a grade. At least in technical classes where grading is somewhat more objective, I think it's smart and reasonable to stand up for yourself when there are errors in grading (not all that uncommon), when there is some point of interpretation, regarding partial credit when the solution is approached correctly but some algebra or arithmetic error is made, etc. It isn't necessary to be confrontational or pushy, and in every case but one, professors were more than happy to discuss grades and make changes where warranted.
The one exceptional case was a giant chemistry class (you may remember this) where they must have had a problem with excessive grade arguing with all the pre-med people. Instead of just going to office hours or talking after class, you had to write up your case. When I got a C on the mid-term, I was steamed as I felt that out of 10 problems, I had been unfairly docked on 5. The request was returned agreeing with most of what I argued and upgrading me to an A- with a note telling me that I should improve my tone. It turns out I still have this request saved on my computer, and reading it now, it is kinda pissy. Oh well.
