When the exams were returned with the depressing grade average and Prof. K announced that the class could negotiate how the exam grades could be improved but 100% of the class had to agree, I knew that there would be chaos. At that particular moment, I said to myself, OH NO, NOT THIS. I felt that the class was too large to come to an agreement that would benefit everyone and some classmates have very strong personalities. So, for me, I took the position of avoidance. I really wanted no part of this situation. When it was time to negotiate, I turned the students sitting next to me and we discussed what was most important to us and most of us agreed. Then we sat backed and watched and listened to other suggestions just in case we missed anything. I did think about the amount of work this would put on the Professor and about the students who did really well on the exam. What benefit would these students get from this groveling?
At one point, I felt that the class was out of control in the way they spoke to each other (using profanity). This will not work well in a corporate situation. The best thing that happened is when the one gentleman got up and, yes, snatched the marker and started writing down items and having the other classmates to agree on things that we wanted and trying to get a 100% agreement. As time was dwindling down, I wanted to make a few suggestions and raised my hand, and tried to speak but was not heard. Most of my interests and those of my group were agreed upon so there was not much left to said. My actions would probably be the same the next time as this group is so huge but I will try to speak up sooner because a few should listen to the wants and needs of the whole.
3 comments:
I don't think avoidance is the best policy to solve something in any situation. Nothing comes free: You got to "fight" to achieve what you desire. I agree that there were some intense moments, but I don't see anything wrong with that as long as we are not out of control.
I hope next time you will speak up for your self and for the benefit of the whole class.
I definitely understand why you chose the avoidance role. Trying to get 100% agreement in a class that size can definitely be discouraging. I'm just wondering though, didn't you have any motives? Did you ever say to yourself, I need to improve my grade or make sure I get an easier exam next time?
I personally took the accommodation role because I was happy with my grade and didn't feel like i had much to gain from the whole exercise, so i figured I would listen to what others had to say. But I definitely agree with you in that "a few should listen to the wants and needs of the whole".
I totally understand why you would want to use the avoidance approach, considering the size of the class, and especially considering the different personalities to deal with. However, it is not always the best option. But then I guess it boils down to how important is the topic at hand to you. I think this is always a main factor for anyone when it comes to getting involved in a group activity – the importance to them as an individual. If you were indifferent or don’t really care much about the outcome, then by all means, avoid the chaos. Still, at least you made the attempt to try to be heard, which is a good thing. Sometimes you have to be a part of the cause to have an effect.
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