Alan Hudson's comments regarding student 'output' and the
ability/confidence of instructors to assess their students work raises a
series of further questions (additional to those answered in good humour
by tim cresswell). These relate broadly to the role and relationship
between the 'teacher' and the 'taught'. For example (I don't really have
the time to try and set out a whole range of possible issues raised)
what is 'expected' from students and what do they expect to have to
produce for us as instructors. It is possible of course that for
differing disciplines this dynamic changes, but here I comment only in
terms of geographical 'courses' (the issue of programme of study is
immediately raised by this word).
I think it is problematic to suggest that there is no expectation from
both parties as to what will be expected from them in terms of essays
and exams. There is inherent in the system a structure, by virtue of
'marking' and grading work - whether we like it or not - for me there is
always a tension between allowing 'freedom' in students and being able
to reconcile a particular attitude in this area to others, for example
external examiners and in my institution, exam boards.
The point, I think, is that there will inevitably be a struggle between
the (structure) demands of formalised 'education' and (agency) the
development of ideas or opinions that are somehow unrecognised or not
legitimated by that system - either through the tutor or through those
further removed, but involved, in the assessment process.
Gavin Parker
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