I'm giving my second round of midterms this week. Most of my students...wildly impressive. But there, of course, are a few outliers.
One student didn't understand the question so he just talked about what was on his mind. I don't take off for this, as long as what they say makes sense. He talked up his friend who is also in the class.
"Peter wakes me up every morning so I can come to class. I think he is a good friend. He never studied before, but now he likes to study."
Peter is not a good student. He also didn't understand the question and talked about...something completely different.
These weren't perfect, but the students at least understood a little and had something to say.
Jeff came soon after.
"What part of Back to the Future excited you most?"
"I'm sorry. I don't know."
"Well, just tell me something."
"Yes."
"Do you understand?"
"Yes."
"What did I say?"
"Yes."
"Ok, send in the next person."
"Yes."
I'm not sure what happened here, but this is greatly disappointing. I have so many students who are so good in English that it's virtually impossible to slow things down for those who don't understand a word. I try to make sure they understand the assignments by talking to them individually, but this student in particular just doesn't understand anything. I'm not sure how he got into this program.
He got a 4/50. I gave him four points because he pronounced "yes" correctly. Maybe I'm a softie...
