Results Issue

Lago · 12-02-2015 10:26PM #1

Hey guys, a friend of mine has raised concerns recently about their results in some tests and labs. Basically, while they are doing pretty good, they seem to be losing many marks for no apparent reason. Haven't looked at some papers it seems like they are losing marks on short questions despite putting down the right answer. With that sort of question I would have thought you were either right or wrong with no grey region. In other questions they seemed to be getting crucified for minor mistakes (i.e losing most of the questions marks for simply forgetting one term of many)

Now while my friend hasn't claimed that there is any sort of singling out here but they do feel that there is a obsession with satisfying the results bell-curve and as a result they're paper isn't being marked fairly or logically. From what I've seen and, as far as I know, the students aren't being informed of any marking scheme, this seems plausible.

I kind of feel helpless when they're telling me about this and I really want to help so I was wondering if anyone would have advice or help me point them in the direction of some place that can.

Tweej · 12-02-2015 10:31PM

'A friend of mine'

Anyway, have you/your friend tried talking to the supervisor/marker?

They can give much better reasoning than us, and they'd be happy to explain where you/your friend went wrong

Lago · 12-02-2015 10:42PM

Tweej wrote: »

'A friend of mine'

I expected that response. :P

Anyway, have you/your friend tried talking to the supervisor/marker?

They can give much better reasoning than us, and they'd be happy to explain where you/your friend went wrong

I'm fairly sure they haven't, mainly because there is several hundred people in their class. I just thought maybe there would be someone or group they could ask with a bit more weight behind them. I suppose asking the lecturer to go through it if they can would be the best option. Thanks for the quick response.

Lawliet · 12-02-2015 11:02PM

Is this just one corrector in one subject? Or is it happening in all assignments and tests? How are other people in the class finding the marking?
Unfortunately some correctors are pricks and you sometimes just have to take it on the chin. It might be a pain, but really the only thing that can be done is to make sure there's no excuse to not be given the marks. If your friend is showing every bit of work and answering with all the relevant information then at least they'll have somewhere to stand if they want to contest the grade they're getting.

Lago · 12-02-2015 11:07PM

Lawliet wrote: »

Is this just one corrector in one subject? Or is it happening in all assignments and tests? How are other people in the class finding the marking?
Unfortunately some correctors are pricks and you sometimes just have to take it on the chin. It might be a pain, but really the only thing that can be done is to make sure there's no excuse to not be given the marks. If your friend is showing every bit of work and answering with all the relevant information then at least they'll have somewhere to stand if they want to contest the grade they're getting.

I'm not entirely sure to be honest. The labs all seem to be in one subject while the tests seem to be in another. In the labs, their partner seems to be getting consistently more than them. Up to 20% more sometimes.

I'd have to agree with what you said though. I was just getting rather upset because they had been getting upset by it and I just wanted to know if there was any options available to them. Thanks again guys!

Taco Chips · 14-02-2015 12:59AM

I know it's frustrating but a common attitude amongst markers in college is that no matter how good your answer is, it's not a 'perfect' answer therefore you won't get full marks. It's hard to explain, but the bottom line is many examiners just will not award full marks for a question, even if you write a really good answer. And with that there is a large degree of variance in marking between courses and faculties. Certainly you should aim high and always try and score your best in subjects but don't expect to get 100% in your work. In fact if you are scoring above 65% you should take that as a positive. YMMV

I Am_Not_Ice · 14-02-2015 11:26AM

Taco Chips wrote: »

In fact if you are scoring above 65% you should take that as a positive. YMMV

But what if they're aiming for a first, in which case they're being denied it for arbitrary and unfair reasons?

Taco Chips · 14-02-2015 03:07PM

I Am_Not_Ice wrote: »

But what if they're aiming for a first, in which case they're being denied it for arbitrary and unfair reasons?

Absolutely, if they feel they're being singled out and denied it unfairly they should question it. But a better route would be to try and identify what is exactly needed to get a first and cover all your bases. If that doesn't work...

14-02-2015 05:53PM

This is where you talk to our tutor or else the Senior Tutor if they are not available.

They should know what is the most appropriate way to deal with the issue, and if necessary they act as your advocate. Very useful service when it is executed quickly.

Results Issue

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