Thursday, May 17, 2012

Taking ownership

This morning, I read an article in The Age about a girl who is suing her former school because she didn't get into the course she wanted to at uni. I wonder if it is a symptom of this generation (i.e. If you fail at something, it must be someone else's fault). In my job, I frequently have contact with students who don't hand in their work or neglect to read the instructions on their assignments and then complain why they were awarded a low grade or mark. Earlier this year, I met a student who had failed multiple subjects. Rather than taking an introspective look at her own behaviour, she blamed the university system, her teachers and even the subject itself (mathematics) and claimed that her high school teachers told her that she was 'brilliant'. Maybe it's the way we treat young kids nowadays.... Everybody wins a prize....Everybody is brilliant. Propping up self-belief is one thing but delusions of grandeur is not a desirable outcome.

4 comments:

Evol Kween said...

I also read that article in The Age, adn was completely appalled. ME thinks she needs a good kick up the....

Victor said...

We seem to be going down the litigation route for everything nowadays.

Adaptive Radiation said...

EK: Sets a dangerous precedence if she is successful in her litigation.

Victor: I blame american tv shows like Judge Judy.

the immigayrant said...

LoL! Read that news about the girl too.

Her mother also sued the school for lost income because she gave up her business to accompany her daugther's move to NSW. I can't understand how this is the responsibility of the school.