Quick Work Vent

In Chemistry, I gave kids the option of choosing a take home test, in-class test, or project. I outlined that the take home would require synthesis of information and explanation of concepts, the project would be environmental chemistry, and the in-class test would be a normal test. Almost all of them chose the take home test. Fast forward to this week. I handed out the test on Monday. Unfortunately, the day the test was handed out, I had a meeting at the Science Center and another teacher was in class that day. Well, he let the kids start complaining about how impossible the thing was. Well now that whole section is freaking out and saying that they can't possibly complete it and asking to take the in-class test. I'm saying no because I don't think that's fair to the kids who have been prepping for the test properly all week.

Now, about the test. Guess what? All of the problems are from their problem solving packets! Do you think any of them have bothered to look at those? No way! How do I know this? Because none of them have said it, and when they've come complaining to me, they don't have them with them. All I can do is give them tools, and if they chose not to use them, well, then they are just not all there.

I do love my job. And I do like my students and think they are, overall, good kids. But the laziness that I see and unwillingness to stretch their brains even a little is appalling.