Overcoming Teacher Hatred and Unfair Grading: A Student's Guide

Every student can face challenges with a teacher who seems to dislike them or grades unfairly. This article explores the reasons behind such situations from the teacher's perspective and offers practical advice on how to navigate these adversities and achieve academic success.

Understanding the Complexity of Grading

First and foremost, it is crucial to understand that grading is not an act of giving but of assessment. Students earn their grades based on the work they submit or fail to submit. Grading is a factual and objective process rather than subjective.

Teachers, especially in the digital age, rely on online gradebooks. It is essential for students to keep copies of their graded work and assignments to ensure proper documentation and facilitate any corrections or updates. Human error or technical issues may occasionally cause a score to be lost or miss a submission, but proper documentation can help resolve these situations effectively.

The Role of Student Responsibility and Organization

Many students complain that their grades are lost or misplaced, only to discover the ungraded papers at the bottom of their backpacks. This often indicates a lack of organized study habits and discipline. Teachers cannot be responsible for lost work submitted late or not organized correctly. Students should have access to their grades online, so any missing assignments are immediately apparent. Promptly addressing these issues within the allowed timeframe can mitigate negative outcomes.

Fostering a Positive Learning Environment

Even in challenging environments, students can succeed by putting in the effort and adhering to deadlines. A case study from an honors English class illustrates this point. When a small group of eleven students, who were top performers, dropped their grades significantly, it was not due to a bad teacher, but rather their negative attitudes and work ethics.

The teachers in question were not particularly amiable, but they were highly demanding, which often led to personality clashes. Some students resented the teacher's approach, leading them to underperform and treat him disrespectfully. However, maintaining a respectful and professional attitude, even when conflicts arise, can improve outcomes and foster a supportive learning environment.

Adapting to High Expectations

Some students thrive under the pressure of high expectations. For instance, despite the teacher's abrasiveness and occasional sarcasm, the author of this article learned a great deal and surpassed the knowledge of many university peers. Grades and performance ultimately reflect a student's effort and understanding, not the teacher's personality.

The key is to focus on the quality of the work submitted and maintain a positive, engaged approach to learning. This can lead to better grades and a more productive academic journey. Remember, even if a particular teacher is not the easiest to work with, the knowledge gained and skills developed can help students excel in other areas of their academic career.

Tips for Success

Stay focused on the work and assignments in class, regardless of how you feel about the teacher. Keep organized records of your graded work and assignments for easy access and submission. Access your grades online regularly to ensure you are aware of any missing or late assignments. Adopt a respectful and professional attitude, staying disciplined and adhering to deadlines. Remember, your attitude and work ethics are key factors in your success, regardless of the teacher's attitude.

By following these tips and maintaining a positive and disciplined approach, students can overcome challenges posed by a difficult teacher and achieve academic success. It's all about taking responsibility for your own education and staying focused on your goals.