Any advice on how to tackle my difficult situation?

Question

I'm a university student, currently enrolled in a Chemistry course required for my program that is offered by a professor who is on probation for failing 80% of his class (in one instance last term he failed 88% of his class on a midterm with a midterm average of 37%). He hasn't gotten any better this year.

No midterms have been written yet, but one assignment has been handed in and one is to be handed in (both seem incredibly difficult)

In order to prevent a grade from showing up on my transcript, I must withdraw from the course by tomorrow.And in order to keep in sync with my program, I must take the course next term offered by a different professor (much easier). Getting in is not guaranteed however, because a lot of the seats are reserved.

On one hand, I don't want to give up; because in life there are very few things that come easily. But it would be disappointing if my friends got 80's and i recieved a 60, or worse, if i failed because it could ruin my academic career.Thanks!

Answer 1

One thing to keep in mind is that the professor may very well have extremely high expectations.  Get to know him, but don't be 'chummy'.  Treat him with great respect, and ask him for advice or assistance.  I am a teacher and I can tell you that those students who I KNOW are trying their best, who consistently ask for assistance or advice, and who are respectful, do indeed get better grades.

Don't drop because you are afraid of a little hard work.  Life has many challenges, and think of how successful you will feel to have survived - if not succeeded - and passed this class.  Keep in mind that 12% of his students PASSED that class.  I do not know what your major is, but there will always be a professor like him.  You will also encounter bosses who are unrelenting and will expect your very best work.

Stay in the class, don't be afraid of hard work, and persevere.  You'll be a better student for it.

Answer 2

stay in class, work VERY hard, do more work than required

20% have passed his course, it would mean more to you if you did.

Answer 3

If you continue with this class and you get a low grade, lower than you think the work deserves, will you be able to appeal it to the department dean?  Especially given that this professor is on probation for giving low grades.  I think I would find out if you would be able to do that first before making a final decision.

Outside of that, I think I would try and stick out and get it over with.  Sounds like you are the type of person that doesn't balk at a challenge, so why this situation be the one that makes you cave?