When to Talk to a Teacher About a Grade Received: A Guide for High School Students
Receiving a grade that’s below your expectations can be frustrating and disappointing. As teachers, we realize everyone works hard. However, before approaching your teacher to discuss the grade, it's important to take several steps to ensure your concerns are well-founded and presented respectfully. This guide will help you understand when and how to talk to your teacher about a grade you’ve received.
Step 1: Review Your Work Carefully
Before doing anything else, carefully review the work that has been graded. Consider the following:
Compare Your Work to the Rubric: If a rubric was provided, compare your work to each criterion. Did you meet the expectations outlined for each category? Identify areas where your work may have fallen short.
Identify Specific Areas of Concern: Are there specific parts of your work where you believe you deserve a higher grade? Make note of these areas. Be specific—vague dissatisfaction won’t help your case.
Consider the Feedback: If your teacher provided feedback, read it carefully. Does the feedback help you understand why you received the grade you did? If there is little or no feedback, make a note of this as it may be worth asking for more detailed comments.
Check for Grading Errors: Look for any possible errors in the grading process. This could include incorrect calculations, overlooked answers, or misinterpretation of your responses.
Step 2: Reflect on Why You’re Unhappy with the Grade
After reviewing your work, take some time to reflect on why you are unhappy with the grade:
Misalignment with Your Understanding of the Rubric: Do you feel that the grade doesn’t reflect your understanding of the rubric or the assignment expectations? This is a valid reason to seek clarification.
Desire for a Higher Grade: Ask yourself if you simply want a higher grade without considering whether your work met the required standards. Wanting a higher grade is natural, but it’s important to be honest with yourself about whether the grade is fair.
Emotional Response: Are you reacting out of frustration or disappointment? Sometimes, initial feelings of unhappiness can cloud your judgment. Take a moment to ensure that your desire to appeal the grade is based on academic concerns rather than emotional ones.
Step 3: Determine the Next Steps
Based on your reflection, decide on your next steps:
1. If the Grade Doesn’t Align with the Rubric:
Prepare specific questions to ask your teacher.
Highlight where you believe the discrepancy lies.
Be prepared to explain your understanding of the rubric and why you believe your work meets the criteria for a higher grade.
2. If You Want More Feedback:
Approach your teacher to ask for more detailed feedback.
Frame your request as a desire to understand how you can improve in the future.
This shows that you are focused on learning and growth, not just on the grade.
3. If You Want a Higher Grade Without Clear Grounds:
Reconsider approaching your teacher. It’s important to approach grade discussions with valid concerns.
Instead, focus on how you can improve your work in the future to achieve the grades you desire.
Good Reasons to Appeal a Grade
Rubric Misalignment: If you can clearly demonstrate that your work meets the criteria for a higher grade based on the rubric, this is a strong reason to discuss the grade with your teacher.
Grading Errors: If you find a mistake in the grading, such as a miscalculated score or overlooked answer, it is appropriate to bring this to your teacher’s attention.
Lack of Feedback: If you received little to no feedback and are unsure why you earned the grade, asking for clarification is a reasonable request.
Clarification on Expectations: If the assignment instructions were unclear or you misunderstood them, it can be helpful to discuss this with your teacher, especially if the misunderstanding significantly affected your grade.
Unacceptable Reasons to Appeal a Grade
Wanting a Higher Grade Without Justification: Approaching your teacher with the sole purpose of seeking a higher grade without clear, academic reasons is not advisable.
Comparing Grades with Peers: Requesting a grade change because you received a lower grade than a friend is not a valid reason. Each student’s work is assessed individually.
Emotional Reactions: Acting out of frustration, anger, or disappointment can lead to unproductive conversations. Ensure your request is based on academic grounds.
Pressure from Parents or Peers: Feeling pressured by parents or friends to challenge a grade is not a strong reason. It’s important that the decision to discuss your grade comes from your own understanding and assessment of your work.
How to Approach Your Teacher
When you’ve decided to talk to your teacher, keep these tips in mind:
Be Respectful: Approach the conversation with respect and an open mind. Remember, your teacher’s goal is to help you learn and succeed.
Be Specific: Clearly state your concerns and the reasons for them. Provide specific examples from your work and the rubric.
Be Open to Feedback: Be prepared to listen to your teacher’s perspective. They may provide insights that help you understand the grade better.
Focus on Improvement: Frame the conversation around your desire to improve. Ask how you can do better in future assignments.
Talking to a teacher about a grade can be a valuable learning experience if approached thoughtfully and respectfully. By carefully reviewing your work, reflecting on your reasons for dissatisfaction, and preparing for a constructive conversation, you can gain a better understanding of your strengths and areas for growth.
Remember, the goal is not just to achieve a higher grade, but to improve your skills and knowledge.
