I hate to be lied to. I really hate it. In fact, the Airman will tell you, punishment was a mere penance for most offenses, but lying -- oh, boy!
This semester, more than any other time, I have had students send me late work, stating: "Oh, it must have gotten... here it is, again."
Do they think I am stupid?
I check the file properties which give the date, time, and even length of time revised for a document. It is there. In black and white, for crying out loud.
I don't mind working with people who may have forgotten or just didn't do it or whose kid threw up or who even those who were just was too lazy to get off facebook and do their work. But, I do mind being lied to. A lot. In fact, it enrages me to the point of being bug-eyed and eating tacks.
Honestly, the next email I open where a student starts off: "here it is again..." and the document has today's date on it, I am going to get in my car, drive to their house, and egg it. I can do that. I have chickens and a ready supply.
I still have a few more essays to grade and I am done. It is a good thing. I don't know if my patience can stand much more.
Do you think McDonald's hired enough people during their "blitz"?
Hang in there Matty, I can understand your discouragement. It is shocking how people lie about everything today and don't even consider it a moral or ethical matter. Some don't even particularly care about getting caught, for "cryin out loud!" (As my Dad used to say). What you do makes a difference, especially by doing your job in such a devoted way and taking the time to really check the papers, I know you are touching the hearts of the honest, hardworking and sincere students out there! Delisa :)
ReplyDeleteAs I read your piece, I'm thinking the thing that would aggravate me is that it's so blatant.... and the 'helpless' feeling that there isn't anything a person can say that would help them 'get it' that there's something wrong. Would that be what's considered 'amoral' - no real sense of right or wrong? Kinda scary.
ReplyDeleteIf I was you, I'd go find my goats and give them a hug... they know what's what!