With the class averaging a lousy 68 the professor proposed a very unusual solution; change the current test and future test however you like....but under 1 condition the class must meet a 100% consensus. 100% consensus? Not a problem. How difficult can it be? With such a low average I'm quite certain the entire class is on the same page. As soon as the professor set us free... the fun began. Immediately we divided ourselves in an arrangement of groups, mostly within our sections. After some time, a group of classmates formed in front the class. They were supposedly the "leaders" of our sections. They stormed around the room attempting to gather some sort of consensus from everyone. Unfortunately, it failed and from afar a smile emerged from the professor's face. Ideas continued floating around the room "Get rid of the multiple multiple choice!", "Curve the test!", "Drop the lowest grade!." I soon realized it was going no where. Pressure built as we entered into our last 15 minutes of class. Fortunately, someone decided to stand amongst the class as our leader. After an intense battle between ideas we finally reached a verdict.
So what was my contribution to this chaos? Although, I would have loved to be the one with the 100 and having the luxury of siting back and supporting my classmates (Accommodation), it was not one of my options. For me it was to get the best out of this or drop the class. In my mind I wanted to take on the "compete to win" approach, but I knew I would not have been able to influence the class, so my final approach to the situation was "collaboration." During the decision making process I attempted to let my section leader know my ideas and wants. I was constantly up to date with the ideas that were floating around the classroom. I questioned peoples proposals and tried to let people know my wants. At the end I was satisfied with the decision.
If I could change the way the conflict were to be handled I would probably divide the class into groups and designate a representative for each group. I think this would have lesson the tension between classmates. And since the groups are smaller everyone will be able to participate.
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Yea, it was a chaos at the time when we made the decision, especially in the last 15 to 20 minutes. Some people were trying express their ideas but others were either ignoring it or not support it. This is the time when the anxiety and frustration build up and that is the reason why it is hard for us to reach 100% agreement. And the average of 68 also shocks me, because I think this test is not tricky and it’s pretty fair, but guess the result didn’t come out good. Many people try to express their thoughts so they can boost up their grade, and it is good that you were collaborating to the class’s discussions and help us got to the end. At the end, I’m glad that we made the 100% agreement and everyone gets benefit from it.
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