Re: OT Atlas Shrugged.

[JoeRaisin <JoeRaisin@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Robert L Bass wrote:
> "Bob La Londe" wrote:
>>
>>> You realize of course that the story, while interesting, is a fiction?
>>
>> It?s a parable.
>
> Just so we all understand it had nothing to do with Obama.
>

But what do you think of the analogy?

>> ... Ever heard of grading on a curve.
>
> Yes.  Some teachers do it when a test or assignment appears to unfairly
> reward or penalize a significant portion of the class.  However, that
> has nothing to do with grading everyone in the class the same,
> regardless what they do.  The story is a fiction.  It doesn't happen in
> real life.
>
>> Makes for some of the worst classes I have ever taken...
>
> I've had instructors who graded on a curve and others who did not.  When
> my work was the best I got higher marks, regardless which system was
> used. Students who did poor work gor poor grades either way.
>
>> Usually by the laziest professors who teach the least amount of useful
>> information.
>
> Grading on a curve takes more effort than the standard method.
>

The actual determination of individual grades takes a little more work
but it covers up crappy (lazy) instruction.  If I'm not mistaken, that
was the point being made by use of the term 'lazy'.


>>> While we're at it, what student would accept an F for such a silly
>>> idea and not file suit?
>>
>> Now that I can believe in this litigious age.
>
> I've never sued anyone in my life but if I had been failed because the
> rest of my class did poorly, I'd probably have gone to court or at lease
> filed a complaint with the dean.  Then again, my father was in charge of
> corporate giving for BMY.  By the stroke of a pen he arranged for the
> school's new library and a number of other major grants so the dean just
> might have been a better choice if I ever needed help.  :^)
>