a little from column a & a little from column b
links, videos, pics and occasionally rants from pete black
Anonymous asked: I think it is really unfair how you are joking to students on twitter about exam content (i.e. joking about what you wish you set the exams on). As an individual who is supposed to be setting exam questions and marking them at the tertiary level, it does not seem fair, even though you are joking around. It seems like some students, although they are only joking about getting 'hints' off you, really are sucking up, and when the papers are marked, even if you are 'impartial', you will know them on a more personal level than other students and will favour their work over the work of students you have nothing to do with on a personal level. I have nothing against academics knowing their students, but can you see my point?
I understand your point but I do not agree that it presents any problem, either perceived or otherwise. The exchange on Twitter is no different from the exchange I would have in class or during consultation. If anything, the fact that it is public and on record, makes it more transparent and fairer.
I also think it is inevitable that lecturers will get to know some students better than other students. This will happen in several ways; for example, lecturers may have taught some students before and some students will take advantage of consultation times to ask the lecturers questions. Despite this reality, the lecturer can be trusted to be able to fair and impartial when assessing all students.
Finally, in relation to the specific unit LWB480, it is also worth noting that I will not be marking any of the exams. An independent, external marker will be marking the exam answers.
