The vast majority of college students highly resent the fact that some professors choose to grade based on attendance. Their argument goes like this: “If the professor is really doing his job and providing us with information beyond what’s available in the assigned readings, then my test and essay grades should reflect my attendance. If I choose not to come, I’ll get bad grades on tests because I’ll miss important information. But if the professor isn’t doing his job, why should I waste my time coming to class when I can get all the same information from the readings?”
And it’s true – sometimes professors will grade on attendance because they know that’s the only way to get you to come to class. Their lectures really are pointless; they know it, and you know it. But in most cases, they grade on attendance because they place true worth on it. They feel that your presence in the classroom really does improve the course. They want you to come to class because they want your input and because they value your discussion contributions. So help them out, and go to class once in awhile.
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