Professor needs to communicate better

I am writing with great disappointment in the staff of this school, or at least in one professor.

Recently, a very close friend of mine was given an F on a test because of the teacher’s inability to communicate with his students. As a result, this person will now have to drop out of the class. The teacher changed the test a few times on his students, and the last change was communicated the weekend before the test by e-mail.

The change was that the test was to close that coming Monday at 2 p.m., instead of at the end of the day. My friend did not get this e-mail until 3 p.m., at which time she hurried to take it. Apparently, this happened with a few students, and the teacher was unwilling to compromise, even though it was his fault.

This student has had trouble with the subject and was meeting with two tutors most of the semester in order to perform better on the tests. She was even meeting frequently with the teacher, who apparently cares more about the students complying with his rules than them actually learning the subject.

The student actually earned the highest grade that she’s had all year, only to get the F instead. My question is, why would a teacher who is here to help the students learn punish her for not checking her e-mail, instead of giving her the grade she worked hard for? Some teachers here need to look at what they are grading on: their own rules, or actual learning? 

Brandon Redfern
senior
Fairfield, Calif.