Another Day, Another A... or, Who's Ready for a Rant?

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Maniac Craniac, Jun 24, 2010.

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  1. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    I just exited a Pearson VUE testing center, hopefully for the last time ever. My grade for the ECE World Population exam was, as the title says, an A, just like on my previous exam.

    The good news: 1 exam left (the dreaded French CLEP) and that ellusive AA is mine!!!!

    The rant: Where do I start? Do I bash Excelsior for creating a test that is riddled with gramatical errors, tautologies, logical fallacies and conveniently obscure questions (can anyone tell me how migration effects population structure of a community, if I menacingly refuse to tell you if I mean immigration or emmigration)? Do I smash the computer when I see questions based on information that doesn't exist anywhere at all in any of the study materials- not even in the footnotes?

    No... I'll leave that for when I have more energy. Sure I learned a lot- but I really don't understand how a couple of multiple-choice tests equal 6 upper level credits when all I did for both was read a couple of books, took some notes, memorized a few facts and clicked a few answers.

    My early conclusion about these types of exams is that they are great for introductory courses, excellent for foreign languages but that for many subjects they simply shouldn't exist. I really feel like I missed out by taking exams instead of courses, even though I have received excellent grades (each exam with a score significantly higher than the cut score for the highest level or highest grade awarded) on the ones I have taken so far.

    World Population and Cultural Diversity are incredibly important subjects that I both enjoyed learning about and feel I will benefit greatly from. In the end, however, I know I would have been better served taking courses for them than taking exams.
     
  2. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    Well, at least you have your "A".
     
  3. b4cz28

    b4cz28 Active Member

    "The good news: 1 exam left (the dreaded French CLEP) and that ellusive AA is mine!!!!"

    Why French? Is it required for your degree?
     
  4. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    C'est pour douze credits, et je deja connais français. :)
     
  5. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    Oh, I'm not disapointed about getting an A ;) Tonight, I celebrate with calzone, gin and juice :)
     
  6. b4cz28

    b4cz28 Active Member

    Answer my question....now!
     
  7. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    J'en ai deja fait!!
     
  8. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    Why don't you just take the class then?
     
  9. JBjunior

    JBjunior Active Member

    I think you are assuming that even a course in a B&M school that you would attend would give you more of an education. You would be in a class that you more than likely wouldn't want to be in and would probably put less energy into. You would more than likely put in less hours for the entire semester sitting in the course than you did studying and would immediately forget it all after you were done. I have taken classes and tests (a good mixture of both) and regardless of the method of delivery if I wasn't into the material I didn't retain the majority of it afterwards and was just checking a box. Learning and applying is what a graduate degree is for.
     
  10. b4cz28

    b4cz28 Active Member


    You’re so cruel now that you’re a mod :(
    Its changed you man, it’s changed you.


    [​IMG]

    That's you on the left :D
     
  11. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    I have other classes to take and limited money with which to take them. There's still a lot to look forward to: Research and Writing, Statistics, Social Psychology... I'll be a nerd in paradise :)
     
  12. HikaruBr

    HikaruBr Member

    Maybe 6 credits is too much, but seems right for a 3 credit undergrad class.

    You'd be amazed by how many undergrad students in B&M school don't even touch their textbooks and get A's and B's.
     
  13. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    That was for two exams. Still, although I did take the time to read and take notes, I don't feel as if I did much of anything overall. Call me crazy (and I'm sure someone will), but the idea of writing papers excites me, and I can't wait to get started on some real courses. :)
     
  14. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator


    Crazy Crazy Crazy Crazy Crazy Crazy Crazy ...happy now? You know, TUI is all paper writing...excited yet?
     
  15. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    Yeah, but half of the paper consists of writing the FULL name of the school:

    International College University of Touro University International of Touro College University of College International College University Institute School of International College University Academy International College School of University College...
     
  16. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    You forgot Inc. My old degree from the MS-ITM says "Touro University International (Branch campus of Touro College, New York)"
     
  17. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    Check the box.
     
  18. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    What's paper? Oh...wait, you mean writing papers, not writing ON paper. <whew>
     
  19. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    What is there...a full moon or something? This is one odd night!
     
  20. Ted Heiks

    Ted Heiks Moderator and Distinguished Senior Member

    What's the new name?
     

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