While grading papers for a business law class that I teach when not consulting, I've noticed a disturbing problem: students who know the subject but don't write essay answers in a manner that gains the most points.
Their biggest mistake is to zero in on the main issue and to assume that since other issues may be of little or no merit, they don't deserve analysis. This is a huge mistake. The grader searches an essay for evidence that the student knows the issues. A student who simply answers the questions is being too literal. The grader does not want an essay that answers the question. What is desired is one that demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the subject. A test instruction that notes, "Answer the following questions" is misleading. A clearer instruction would be, "Discuss the following questions in a manner that illustrates your knowledge of all of the issues, both minor and major." Focusing on "Answering the question" is a blunder.
It makes me wonder what other commonly used instructions are not accurate.
Michael, speaking of school, I don't know whether to go for an MBA or not. What resources are there for helping me weigh my options?
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Pawnking,
ReplyDeleteHere's an interesting calculator from Forbes on the financial aspects: http://www.forbes.com/2005/08/16/cz_05mba_business_schools_gain_calulator.html
The article is a tad dated but helpful. I don't know of any resource that would be definitive. Some factors that I'd consider:
Substance: Will the degree give me a sizable amount of practical information that I can put to immediate or near-term use?
Image: Will I gain significant advantages in marketing or promotional opportunities because of the degree?
Standard: What is the standard in my line of work? Do most of my competitors have MBAs, where did they get them, and how are the degrees perceived by those who are most likely to shape my career?
Alternatives: Would it make sense to put my time into another endeavor that may provide experience/contacts that will equal or surpass the advantages of an MBA or is the MBA an unparalleled door-opener?
Good luck!
Thank you, Michael. I'll look into the article and consider the other questions.
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