My mind has been so muddled these past few days with grading argument essays from my four sections of ENGL 112. I have realized how much I enjoyed this particular class---reading, discussion, lack of 'fussing.' If you fussed, I didn't hear it, so that was great!
Emerson talked so much about Self-Reliance, being true to oneself, accepting responsibility for one's actions. This is something that has been popping through my mind frequently the last few days. One's education is the responsibility of---guess who? The student! I was always responsibile for my own homework, asked for help if I didn't understand something (chemistry--if not for my lab partner Mike Martin, I wouldn't have passed it), and accepted my grades. When I went to Indiana State for my undergrad and then to Purdue for my Master's degree, I was in charge--it was up to me. My grades reflected my efforts, the quality of my work, and the amount of time I decided to donate to the cause. My 'rush to study 10 minutes before the test' showed in a low grade. I never would have blamed my instructors/teachers/professors for my low grades. I would never have blamed ISU or Purdue for my lack of completion of my degree. The requirements are there; I had to work to meet them.
What has changed? Why is it that students feel like they can submit sub-average work, not meet requirements, and still receive high marks for inferior work? Why is it the fault of the instructor? Why is it the ridiculous rules or guidelines set forth by the institution? Why is it always the fault of someone else?
What would Emerson say today about the idea of self-reliance?
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