It was the evening before the final exam. I received an email from a student who apologized wholeheartedly.
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.... due to the lack of background knowledge of economics and my mid term grade, I don't think it is possible for me to pass this course.
I am extremely sorry for late notice but I was wondering if it is possible for me not to attend the final exam.
//
I replied to him with a citation of the exam regulation of the university, the procedure an absentee should follow if he had acceptable reason for his absence (essentially, only medical reasons are acceptable). I recommended to him:
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My suggestion is to overcome your anxiety, come to the exam and try your best. If you have seen similar situations in your past, you may want to visit student counselling service for consultation when you are done with exams this semester.
//
Late in the night, I got his reply.
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Thank you for your kind suggestion. I really appreciate your understanding.
Fortunately, this is my 1st year and 1st semester in the University. I take this course as an elective to see if I can double major BBA in my second year.
However, without any background knowledge, I realised this course is quiet demanding.
I think passing this course is unlikely yet I learned many lessons from this challenge.
Not only economics broadened my point of view but also taught me a lesson that I have to be well prepared before doing something. I think I should focus on my original major. :)
If I am prepared for getting zero for my exam, is it okay for me not to attend the exam?
Once again, I apologise for my irresponsible action and once more thank you so much for your understanding toward student.
//
As a teacher, it is always sad (and disappointing) to hear that a student had difficulty in learning the subject I teach (and a subject that I love). But, to be honest, this email exchange made my day.
The student seemed to know what he was doing and was prepared to bear the consequence of his mistakes/decisions. That is a quality I wish all students would possess. This quality is more important than grades. I like him!
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| 2018-01-24 | Would "uncertain" help your postgraduate study application? I would say, CERTAINLY NOT! |
| 2017-09-14 | When helping your friend is NOT HELPING YOUR FRIEND! |
| 2017-09-13 | My life as a student -- AGAIN |
| 2017-09-05 | You like easy grade, easy honor, easy graduation? |
| 2017-07-18 | My Facebook friends, please protect me just as I protect you. |
| 2017-07-12 | An internship |
| 2016-03-01 | You know me. But, do I know you? |
| 2015-12-17 | Why learning fails to happen despite the great design of the course and the great teacher? |
| 2015-10-20 | Can I trust you, my friend? |
| 2015-10-17 | If we have the second chance to "retake", failing or getting a low grade would not be so stressful. |
| 2015-09-18 | My first-hand experience on why learning is not taking place in lectures! |
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| 2014-10-24 | I would be happy to write recommendations letter for your PhD or Master application if .... |
| 2014-10-23 | Master of Finance at MIT |
| 2014-10-06 | Are you sure what you saw was black? |
| 2014-03-05 | GOLDEN opportunity -- only to the hard-working students. |
| 2014-03-01 | What to do when your teacher's teaching style does not fit your learning style? |
| 2013-11-28 | A negative experience? Not completely. It can be made into a positive one! |
| 2013-11-27 | Many thanks for your appreciation of my teaching (II) |
| 2013-07-23 | My next stop is Barcelona! |
| 2013-06-01 | Her decision to pursue Master of Finance after her undergradaute study at HKU |
| 2012-11-10 | What should I do at HKU (activities versus study and many other things)? |
| 2011-09-12 | Coach, can you teach me to swim? |
| 2010-02-18 | How government policy with good intention can create frustration and political instability? |
| 2009-12-01 | Cherish our beloved ones who are still around us -- when we still can! |
| 2009-11-27 | Trust your teachers, but don't trust them blindly! |
| 2009-11-26 | You can give me a low score but please write some comments to help me improve my teaching. |
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Help me help them.... please. |
| 2008-12-20 | Learning should not end with the final exam! |
| 2008-11-19 | Exchange in Europe can be very rewarding! |
| 2008-11-18 | UC Berkeley is my top choice for exchange! |
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| 2007-11-12 | No pain, no gain! |
| 2007-09-14 | Teaching is to be enjoyed, and so is studying. Grades should only be secondary. |