Thoughts

Many educators allow the opportunity to review a graded assignment after it is returned so the students may see where they missed points and what was expected. When another student tries to argue a point with the teacher/professor you do NOT have the authority to help explain to them why they are not correct. This is between educator and educatee. If that student is able to talk their way into getting one or more points back on their individual assignment, more power to them. It is not your place to come to the aid of the teacher.

If I am debating an answer on a test with the professor, unless you have something constructive to contribute to MY cause, keep it to yourself. You will not benefit from trying to prove me wrong, so why would you do it? This is between the teacher and me. By all means, if you want to try and get this point back, too, join my crusade. Do not try and keep me from getting my point back.

The mind set of some students is such that it is always the appropriate time to demonstrate their understanding of what was taught and this often times leads to their outright sabotage of your right to dispute your grade.

Equate this idea to a casino. At a blackjack table we are all playing against the dealer, not against each other. When the objective is to get the highest score not to exceed 21; the dealer has 17, you have 19 and I have 20, we both win. We both beat the dealer. In the classroom my debate is not with you, it is with the professor. Please, leave us be. Many teachers will rely on their stubbornness in thought that the answer they chose was for a reason whether they remember it now or not. This leads to an absolute denial of any counterpoint made in attempt to recover a point missed. Others, however, are more receptive and will often heed the evidence provided by a student in his own defense and give him the point. In these occasions, why do you feel the need to interfere?

In high school, you may be too young and ignorant to this matter to know not to do it. In college it becomes unacceptable. When pursuing an advanced degree, there are no excuses, it is downright outrageous. Do not do it.