Apparently, some American teachers have been instructed not to grade papers in aggressive red ink for fear of hurting students’ feelings, denting their self-esteem. Another generation of ‘approval junkies’ is being nurtured. Slap!
In the meantime, I am correcting the 78th draft of my own translation (the deadline is soon, very soon) in red ink, but not any red ink: it smells of roses.
I just hope I don’t scar myself for life.
Friday, 29 February 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Oooh. Now where do you get rose scented ink?
ReplyDeleteHere: http://www.thewritingdesk.
ReplyDeleteco.uk/herbin/herbin.php (you'll have to type the URL into the address box: it's too long to turn into a link that fits in this space, sorry).
I have rediscovered the pleasures of writing with a beautiful fountain pen. My handwriting was becoming illegible.
I'm sure it must make your corrections sweeter?
ReplyDeleteDefinitely, but will it make them more... correct?
ReplyDeleteAwww, sounds pretty. I think you will escape unscathed.
ReplyDeleteFunny: in primary school here teachers are advised not to correct children too much for fear they "scar" them... They get all the scarring all at once when they enter high school! (which is very tough)Smart, huh?
Yes, it is. And, yes, I think I will. :-)
ReplyDeleteLOL! It's ridiculous. If only getting one's schoolwork corrected in red were the only knock one ever had in life!
it's part of the 'all shall win prizes' culture. my twins are choosing their gcse options at the moment, and you wouldn't believe the rubbish you can 'study' these days!
ReplyDeletePlease spare me: I don't want to know. :-(
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you are steering them towards worthwhile subjects.
At my sink-estate primary school not only are we not allowed to use red ink, but if you raise your voice to a child you have to explain yourself to the Headmistress. Overheard last week: "Why did I shout at him? Because I wasn't in the mood for having CHAIRS thrown at me!"
ReplyDeleteMy niece goes to a school where BLACK pens/pencils/crayons can't be used - too "negative" apparently. I'm not sure what the rules are for red.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe what you're telling us, H. How far will this go? The PC/let's-not-traumatise-those-kids policy has gone too far now.
ReplyDeleteHow ridiculous, M! I had no idea this kind of thing was going on. I thought it was an isolated event. It seems to be everywhere. No wonder children think they're in charge.