School started up the other day, and one of my professors put up a discussion post to introduce yourself, and confirm you’ve read the syllabus. Then in the syllabus they hid a requirement for the discussion post under like 3 pages of fine print. I caught it, but everyone else i see posting is going to have their first grade in this class be an F because they didnt read the syllabus as if it were a contract for your soul.
Like i get it you want people to read your syllabus, but you don’t need to be an asshole about it. They didnt even say in the post to make sure you read it carefully or anything. Just “Say in your post you understand the syllabus.”
Im almost 30 and a non traditional student. I know how to read the fine print. Hence me noticing this. But these 18 year olds on their first day are getting a bad grade as their lesson. A hole theyll have to dig themselves out of. I dont think its an appropriate way to go about teaching that lesson.
Edit: Maybe youll disagree but the way i view it the goal should be teach first, then test if you learned and grade. You shouldnt be teaching by giving bad grades to people who come in not already knowing the lesson your trying to teach.