'A' is for average

Last semester, I received an \n'A-' in an introductory history course for which I read barely three of the ten assigned chapters, and missed more discussion section sessions than the "permitted" number allotted on the syllabus.\nIn the same semester, a friend of mine received an 'A' on a paper (s)he'd turned in days late -- via e-mail -- in a communications course. \nA different friend received a 'B+' in a class (s)he'd attended for only two weeks.\nWhether these unfortunately true scenarios reflect grade inflation, or a lack of quality in learning and/or teaching, they certainly put into perspective a hugely important issue: the condition of higher education in the United States today. \nHey, don't stop reading. This issue affects you!\nLast Monday, the Secretary of Education's Commission on the Future of Higher Education released a draft report outlining improvements necessary for America's colleges and universities, saying "Among the vast and varied institutions that make up U.S. higher education, we have found equal parts meritocracy and mediocrity."\nThe list includes an "inadequate financial aid system" and "poor academic preparation." \nOuch.\nStill, the draft proposes goals, too -- and optimism regarding their achievement. What struck me most about the goals was their pertinence to universities' accountability. "We want post-secondary institutions to be accountable to the American public for their performance...," it read.\nIt's sensible -- necessary, even -- to have high expectations for research, intellectual achievement and quality instruction in the higher education system.\nStill, what about the accountability of the individual?\nLet's face it -- we're not Ivy League students here at IU. But, I must question students' drive (my own, even!) when three-fourths of the students in a given class are on the edge of their seats 10 minutes before it gets out, waiting to flee from the room.\nIt's easy to notice when people come to classes only to take tests. After all, it's always a little shocking, and obnoxious, to go to class on test day and not be able to find a seat for the first time all semester -- not an uncommon situation.\nI didn't do the required readings for my history class -- and, therefore, can recall few specific meaningful dates in U.S. history. I blame myself for being apathetic.\nOn the other hand, it's not preposterous to point out that my instructor's lectures made the material disengaging -- thereby failing to inspire me to learn and appreciate the information at hand. Since this is the case, what does it mean that I received an above-average grade?\nThe way I see it, it's safe to say that a little bit of student apathy, and little bit of uninspiring instruction, will certainly cook up something "mediocre" -- which, undoubtedly, has devastating implications for our future.