Last semester I was looking forward to taking Physics I, since it would have many applications within my major.
However, the class went terribly wrong. The class scored a 25 on average on the first test. I was horrified when the professor told me my 58 was a very good grade.
The class largely consists of engineers who are required by the engineering department to pass Physics I with a C or better. This high rate of failure is a slap in the face to the Bagley College of Engineering.
The primary reasons for the high failure rate are that students were not objectively tested on the material presented in class and the grading standard was much too expectant. Students did not fully understand what the expectations were for the class. Although the professor was reasonably available outside class, there was little room for questions or objections during the lecture. The professor told us there would be no extra credit. She said that it was not her job to give us the highest grade possible, but to make sure we learn the material.
Our professor docked points too leisurely. She failed to recognize that her audience was one of scientists and engineers who wanted to be in that class. It is therefore strange that she did not relate the material to its applications. Points were deducted from tests because we were not taught to analyze problems so much as we were taught the math behind the solutions. If nearly two classes retake Physics I this semester, I have to question the intentions of the physics department.
In addressing grade concerns with Dr. Novotny, head of the physics and astronomy department, he said that most people have to retake Physics I and suggested that our pass-fail rate was normal for physics.
Dr. Novotny expressed that he is content with the Physics I retention rate. His advice was to retake Physics I. He blamed the low grades on poor calculus skills and failure to do homework.
I achieved perfect attendance, completed my homework on time and have excellent calculus grades. In order to improve in physics, I formed study groups with my classmates. We met frequently to collaborate on homework and textbook material. We also attended learning center sessions and met with our professor outside of class. It has been a privilege to work with the many bright individuals through my studies. It is unfortunate that most of us received a final grade of D or F for the course.
The physics department is operating under the fallacy that most people are unworthy plebeians and therefore most people should fail. This attitude only deters academic studies.
Dr. Novotny explained that by scaling the grades he would be doing a disservice to everyone. The only disservice being rendered is to the students: the students who worked hard but cannot take higher level courses without the marks they’ve worked for, the students who lose scholarships and students who are required to repeat Physics I because of misjudgment on the part of a professor.
Jay Webb is a sophomore in mechanical engineering and can be reached at [email protected].