Nialler

... related to an issue my partner brought up today.

She was grading some papers for a colleague, and one of the papers contained a mandatory question on Evolution.

One of the students, obviously a creationist, prefaced her answer with a disclaimer to the effect that the following answer was in direct conflict with her religious beliefs and that she was prepared only to descibe the mechanisms that she had been thought.

Her answer was fine - other than the disclaimer.

The question I was asked was: "how would you grade the paper?"

My initial thought was that the disclaimer was in effect a complete rejection of the field that she was being tested on, and that therefore she should get zero for her answer. However, I am assured that she had successfully answered the question, so there may be a case for rewarding her ability to learn and understand the complexities involved - even if she didn't believe them.

What would you do in this case?

Bear in mind that the student might well claim that she was being punished for her beliefs if she is marked down.

MrDarwin

If the answer is otherwise good, then what could the instructor possibly do? On what basis would he or she give a lower grade? Honesty?

You do your best to teach, but you can't reach inside somebody's mind to change it.

Mageth

I'd grade the paper on the correctness of the answer. It doesn't matter (for grading purposes) what a student believes about a subject as long as they know the material.

If a student answered a question about a particular theory of a mechanism of evolution and added the disclaimer: "I don't personally hold to this particular theory; I think this other mechanism better fits the evidence," then similarly the student should be graded on the correctness of the answer, not the disclaimer.

A thought: what if this was a christian school and the student answered a question on theology: "I don't believe in god or the bible, but here is the answer to the question?" Should the answer be discounted?

Seth K

If this student has a proper understanding of evolution, she is light-years ahead of her fellow creationists. Many creationists would refuse to even listen to anything concerning the E-word. She shouldn't be punished for disbelief.

The instructor's job is to see that the material is understood. It's not to mandate belief in the material, no matter how unreasonable such disbelief may be.

Happy Wonderer

I think it should be full marks if the answer is otherwise correct. The fact that they felt it necessary to add a disclaimer is irrelevant. If you are grading a paper on Marxist philosophy it isn't necessary to believe that the student thinks the philosophy is correct in order to give them good marks.

Besides, if they truly understand the theory they will come around eventually!

HW

Principia

It is sort of like a student putting on top of his paper: "I believe this subject has absolutely no relevance in my life or my future career plans. I write the paper only because I am required."

Teachers get this speech from studnets all the time, right?

I think it may help to view that disclaimer as a similar statement of indifference. If anything, you could reward her for standing up for her beliefs, and reward her more if she showed any initiative to justify her views rather than mere assertions. As an eductaor, you should want to reach out to her, rather than alienate her by discouraging her views through a grade.

Scientiae

MrDarwin

Heck, the instructor could always offer extra credit if the creationist student can write another essay supporting their non-evolutionary beliefs and backing them up with the scientific literature.

Dr.GH

I have no problem with the student saying that they think that science violates their beliefs, so long as the know the scientific answer to a scientific question. My general respect for their mental abilities is reduced, but not eliminated.

People can, and commonly do, use logic-tight compartments in their thinking. It comes with the territory.

Principia

Excellent point, and even better, if the instructor continues the dialogue by citing the scientific literature that disputes such research (if they in fact exist). The ensuing discussion, I suspect, is much more worthwhile than a failing grade.

Scientiae

RufusAtticus

I say the disclaimer flags the student for a teacher-student conference.

Before a grade is assigned, the teacher should ask the student what she thinks he should make of the disclaimer.

It would be interesting to know what the student considered wrong with the course. And did she have the same problem with chemistry.

How would she respond if she was to grade a paper with the following disclaimer. I do not believe that electrons exist, but I will reguritate an answer.

-RvFvS