this student was supposed to write a short position piece on the benefits and/or drawbacks of animal protein in diet. they are quoting jordan peterson and say that even though producing meat is worse for the environment, the problem is overpopulation.
to be clear, i don't think this student is knowingly being malicious, but is obviously finding bad shit online. how would you approach this with the student? it's an online course so we've never met in person, but i have written about a thousand emails to the entire class since september, so they know who i am.
for context, i didn't design the course, just doing the grading.
imma be real with you, i just insult them in a lighthearted way
i used to tutor a lot and that got the best results. dont cite peer reviewed articles or use any deeper logic beyond base emotions, kids are stupid. treat them like adults with zero practical experience.
had a kid randomly go on a rant about communism while i was tutoring him on math shit. i was like 'my grandparents were communists and idk making sure homelessness doesnt exist is the exact opposite of lame, which you are. youre a lame weirdo going on a rant against communism while im teaching you what a parabola is. in fact why do you think you or your parents are experts on communism when they cant teach you what a parabola is and you dont know what a parabola is' i know a tutor guy that went way harder than me on dealing with reactionary shit because he was a civil rights guy back in the day and im mostly dead on the inside
if i thought i could pull it off i might take this tack. having all the communication online makes it kind of risky though. and my advisor will have to be on board with any comments i make to the student.
someday, though. someday.
ah yeah true. didnt consider the all online bit. the kid actually asked me constructive questions about it after he realized he was being a dip. definitely did not convince him entirely (though i did give him a better conception of what communists want) but if i didnt lead with jeers he wouldnt have taken anything i said seriously.