None of us is an A Student

A recent exchange at a university committee meeting prompted this realization: None of us is an A student...not all the time in every circumstance. I (and many other faculty members, apparently) have often encountered this statement from students when they are offended, confused or upset at a recent evaluation of their performance on a task or assignment. "But why did I miss this point? I couldn't have been incorrect or below excellent on this. I am an A student!"

What? I am always careful to define "A" ratings in my courses, and frequently, students earn this designation. In my world, "A" means ... excellent, outstanding, way above par, super, devoid of mistakes. Well, to be honest, most of what we do is not at the "A" level. Don't get me wrong. Many of us work hard and do good work, work of which we can be proud. But honestly, is it an "A?" Are we really doing our most excellent, error-free accomplishments day in and day out. I know I am not. But I don't think it's a bad thing.

I have many tasks to face in a day and deadlines on many of them. If I can review a manuscript, answer 100 emails, attend a few committee meetings, teach 20-50 students, evaluate student submissions, advise students regarding course and program questions, write a conference proposal, and work on course redesigns, AND I accomplish all of this at a "B" level (that is, good quality work), then I am satisfied. I might have hit the mark of excellent on a few of the items, but I can honestly say that on all I do each day, I am not an A student, are you?

So, students of mine, if you are truly dedicating complete focus and energy on your work for my class and have, indeed, demonstrated that you have accomplished the extraordinary in what you have achieved, then, congratulations! You earned an "A." But believe me, it won't happen all the time.