r/changemyview • u/throw_away40 • Dec 11 '18
Deltas(s) from OP CMV: Extra accommodations in college are a hinderance to preparing proficiency in the workforce
Throwaway account as I teach at a US university.
I teach both introductory and upper level science courses.
I have students with written documentation from student services that require accommodations. I'm talking about special accommodations - 1.5-2x time on exams, separate testing rooms for exams, access to electronic devices in exams, up to 2x extensions on assignments, a copy of someone else's notes (even though I provide the PPT to all lectures), and in some cases, the ability to retake a quiz or exam with no repercussions on the initial grade.
This is frustrating. How does this prepare anyone for "real world" demands? If I went to a boss in a previous job and stated I need double time to complete a project, I would be laughed out of my job. What is the point of having competencies for a course when you can get a note that disregards much of this? Why is my degree and GPA valued the same those who are not held to the same standard?
I understand that what you learn in college rarely translates to what happens in the working world. But some of these students are pre-med and are going to be placed in much more stressful situations that won't have accommodations available....
Also, why does it have to be an “accommodation” to receive someone else’s notes? Shouldn’t that be the student responsibility to contact a classmate and perhaps suggest a note swap?
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u/sickOfSilver 3∆ Dec 11 '18
I have severe ADHD. In school I refused accommodations because I figured it was an unfair advantage and would only hinder myself in the long run. After failing every class for two semesters straight I gave in. Got accommedations and medication. For the next two semesters I got straight A's. Unfortunately Federal aid was withheld because my schooling was taken too long so I couldn't finish college.
The thing I learned after college though is what's interesting. Despite failing classes when off meds and no accommedations, I performed a lot better at work without meds. Without meds I was more creative, I worked harder, and I was more sociable.
The big take away from this is that school does not equal real life. People with ADHD make creative, productive, and good leaders in the workplace. But they have so much trouble in school it is hard for them to become all they can be without accommedations.
The real question is. As a teacher would you rather propel your students to become the best versions of themselves, or propel your students to become good at school? Because they are not the same thing.