“John” was a freshman at a state college near his home. He was surprised in his first quarter as a freshman to learn that the English teacher was actually a tenured professor who taught upper–level classes and was simply “taking his turn” to teach a lowly freshman class. John liked him right away; the prof was funny and relaxed, and he clearly loved to teach. On the first day of class, the prof handed out the syllabus and told the class it would be pretty easy to do well in this class if they did two things: attend every class and get their assignments in on time. When the first assignment was due, several class members did not turn it in and the prof didn’t seem to mind. He did remind the whole class how best to do well in class.
As the quarter progressed, John realized he was one of the very few students who attended every class and handed in every assignment. The prof kept the class lively and never said much about assignments or attendance. Second (and third and fourth and fifth —) chances to do well were given, but few took advantage. Finally, at the end of the quarter, John received the only “A” and several students received “F’s.” Those who failed were very angry with the professor. But he simply reminded them of his instructions on day one and of the multiple chances they had to do well. Now it was too late.