While different universities sometimes have different grading systems, I think this is worth sharing because what we consider a good grade is sometimes what our students consider the worst grade possible.
At Catholic University grades go A+, A, B+, B, C+, C, D+, D, F. I thought that meant things were pretty much the same as in the US with the obvious difference being no A-, B-, C-, D- grades. The other day i found out I was wrong.
Students can drop a grade of C+ or lower. A grade of B or higher is on their record permanently. While a few of my students said they were satisfied after receiving a B, many more said that a B meant the teacher didn't like them because a B is the lowest grade that must stay on the student's record.
I'm not sure if this was really done on the popular TV show hosted by David Letterman but I received a forward that may encourage an interesting discussion about racism in popular culture and be suitable for my Popular Cultures in English Speaking Countries class. I must say again that I find it hard to believe this was actually part of the show. I can imagine that some created their own top ten list as this is not an uncommon activity in America:
David Letterman's Top 10 reasons why there are no black NASCAR drivers: (I bet his life will be miserable after the NAACP sees this!)# 10 - Have to sit upright while driving.
# 9 - Pistol won't stay under front seat.
# 8 - Engine noise drowns out the rap music.
# 7 - Pit crew can't work on car while holding up pants at the same time.
# 6 - They keep trying to carjack Dale JR.
# 5 - Police cars on track interfere with race.
# 4 - No passenger seat for the Ho.
# 3 - No Cadillac's approved for competition.
# 2 - Can't wear helmet sideways.
AND THE NUMBER ONE REASON WHY BLACKS CAN'T BE IN NASCAR...
# 1 - When they crash their cars, they bail out and run.
I have a new roleplay and I think it's a good one. It's designed so that the teacher can introduce 4 steps on cross cultural conflict resolution and then give the students practice working through the steps. If you're interested it's on ESL go.com: Intercultural communication and cross cultural conflict resolution roleplay
I recently received Barnga: a simulation game on cultural clashes. I had oredered it from Amazon for my intercultural communication class but now I'm thinking about returning it.
Initially I was insulted that they actually charged money for this. All you get are 6 or so different sets of rules to a simple card game. The differences include trump suits and ace-high or ace-low.
Students get into groups and play their version of the game. Then switch to a new group game with different rules. They cannot read the rules or speak to each other though non verbal communication is allowed. Students become frustrated as you ahve people playing the same cards by different rules and are unable to discuss the differences.
This is supposed to demonstrate how different cultures operate under different rules, but I wonder if students really need a card game to understand this. I think they already know.