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Should I try to drop out of this class

PostPosted: Mon Jan 30, 2006 8:37 pm
by Mr. SmartyPants
I'm in 11th grade, and I enrolled in a class called "Electronic Storytelling" which is pretty much video production and editing.

Shortly after the class cirruculum started, our teacher, Mr. Short, was called by the National Guard to go down to the New Orleans because of the Katrina incident. And he has to stay there the whole school year. So the seniors who are in Electronic Storytelling 2 were teaching the class (along with random guests and such)

Because of his absence, the class became somewhat disorganized, but still maintained some way of shape.

After 2 projects we did (A commercial and a movie trailer) We were next supposed to do a music video. Well my team just kicks me out of the team for no reason other than because "I don't do any work" which isn't really true. I do the work, just not really good. I'm not as good as the "final cut pro masters" and "expert video recorders" which the guy who kicked me out just so happened to be. So I joined another group, and they so happen to kick me out a week later because they changed their plans and whatnot.

Basically I'm left useless to them. And I am unwanted in that class. Do you think it would be wise to simply drop out of the class? Or should I continue it and get the grade, (by doing menial tasks like hopefully camera recording) and then not take it next year? (It's a half-credit elective)

PostPosted: Mon Jan 30, 2006 8:46 pm
by ChristianKitsune
hmm..well there are three questions you might want to ask..

1. Are you having fun in that class and learning anything?
2. Can you take it as a senior?
3. What else would you take?

Do you think you could ask to do a project on your own?

PostPosted: Mon Jan 30, 2006 8:49 pm
by Mr. SmartyPants
1. I did have fun when I was able to contribute ideas and film and be filmed.
2. Yes I can take it again as a senior. Would I want to is the question. That means I leave Electronic Storytelling 1, then retaking it next year. It doesn't seem worth it.
3. I would simply remove 3 classes from my schedule, I do not have to really take anything (nor could I, its in the beginning of the 2nd semester)

No way id beable to do a half-way decent project on my own. I don't know how to use final cut pro (the video editing software).

PostPosted: Mon Jan 30, 2006 8:53 pm
by ChristianKitsune
hmm well maybe talk to your group members. Ask simply if you can do something of value..or maybe ask a nicer group member to help you out after school or soemthing..

I am not sure if quitting this late in the game is worth it. I mean ifyou are learning something then you should stay, also, is there a second class to this that you could take as a senior?

PostPosted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 1:33 pm
by mitsuki lover
Will it really effect your graduation requirments next year if you have the credit or not?If it doesn't matter than I would say go ahead and drop it,but if you need the credits and it's too late to make them up any other way then you're pretty much stuck.

PostPosted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 6:26 pm
by termyt
To be honest, I doubt the educational value of a class being taught be the students who took it last year. With out actually knowing the situation, I would say you are not missing out on anything by dropping.

To be so casually kicked out of two groups in a school classroom shows your class is not well organized and the learning experience is secondary to just hanging out and having fun with people who already have the knowledge that should be taught in the first place.

I never liked dropping classes. In all my years of school – seven years in Jr Hi and Hi School and 5 years of college – I only ever dropped two classes, but I think this may be a good time for you to do so. Especially if these other students are going to give you your final grade.

Perhaps you should speak to a guidance counselor.

PostPosted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 4:19 am
by Mr. SmartyPants
[quote="mitsuki lover"]Will it really effect your graduation requirments next year if you have the credit or not?/QUOTE]

No it will not

Thanks all, i might not drop out. Haha the class raises my overall average a little bit