The Mysterious Case of Missing Grades: What to Do When Your Engineering Teacher Doesn’t Update Schoology
You’ve stayed up late perfecting your CAD design. You’ve triple-checked calculations for that bridge project. You’ve even tolerated the smell of burnt circuits during lab days. But now, weeks later, your Schoology gradebook remains blank. No feedback. No scores. Just a glaring empty space where your hard work should be reflected. If your high school engineering teacher hasn’t posted grades online, you’re not alone—and there are constructive ways to address this without losing your cool.
Let’s break down why this might be happening and how to navigate it.
—
Why Grades Might Be Missing
Teachers are human (even the ones who can disassemble a carburetor blindfolded). Before assuming the worst, consider these possibilities:
1. They’re Prioritizing Hands-On Feedback
Engineering classes often involve physical projects, prototypes, or collaborative work that’s tough to quantify instantly. Your teacher might delay posting grades to provide detailed, personalized feedback during class instead of reducing your effort to a number.
2. Grading Technical Work Takes Time
Grading a multiple-choice quiz is straightforward; assessing a 3D-printed model or a coding project isn’t. Engineering teachers often need extra time to evaluate creativity, functionality, and problem-solving—skills that don’t fit neatly into a grading rubric.
3. Tech Isn’t Their Strong Suit
Ironically, some STEM teachers struggle with education software. Schoology, while user-friendly, can still baffle educators who’d rather troubleshoot a robot than a digital gradebook.
4. They’re Overloaded
Between lesson planning, mentoring robotics teams, and maintaining lab equipment, your teacher might simply be behind. A 2022 National Education Association survey found that 90% of teachers report burnout—patience goes a long way.
—
How to Advocate for Yourself (Without Sounding Like a GPA-Obsessed Robot)
Silently stressing helps no one. Here’s how to approach the situation professionally:
1. Ask Tactfully
Instead of “Why haven’t you graded my work?” try:
“I wanted to make sure my bridge project submission went through—can I confirm you received it?”
This opens the door for them to share timelines without sounding accusatory.
2. Create Your Own Tracking System
While waiting for updates, keep a personal log:
– Photograph or scan physical projects.
– Save email/Schoology submission receipts.
– Use a spreadsheet to estimate your current grade based on rubrics.
This not only reduces anxiety but gives you evidence if discrepancies arise later.
3. Leverage Peer Support
Ask classmates if they’re experiencing the same issue. If it’s a widespread problem, consider politely mentioning it as a group:
“A few of us were wondering when we’ll see feedback on the thermodynamics lab—we’d love to apply your notes to the next assignment.”
4. Talk to Guidance Counselors
If the lack of grades affects college applications or scholarships, involve a counselor. They can mediate conversations or help you document your achievements externally.
—
When to Escalate (and How to Do It Gracefully)
Most delays resolve with gentle reminders. But if assignments from September are still MIA in April, it’s time to act:
1. Request a Face-to-Face Meeting
Say: “I’m concerned about tracking my progress this semester. Could we meet to discuss my standing in the class?”
Bring your personal grade tracker to the conversation.
2. Involve Parents/Guardians Strategically
Parents can email the teacher to request a grade update, but advise them to avoid hostility. A good script:
“Marco mentioned he hasn’t seen grades posted for recent assignments. Could you clarify how we can stay informed about his progress?”
3. Reach Out to Department Heads
As a last resort, administrators can investigate systemic issues. Frame it as concern for all students:
“Several classmates and I are struggling to gauge our performance due to missing grades. Is there support available for teachers using Schoology?”
—
What This Teaches You About Real-World Engineering
Frustrating as this is, there’s a silver lining: You’re practicing project management and stakeholder communication—skills every engineer needs.
In the workplace, you’ll face delayed approvals, vague client feedback, and misplaced deliverables. Learning to:
– Document your work meticulously
– Communicate needs assertively yet respectfully
– Develop backup plans
…makes you better prepared for college and careers.
—
Final Takeaway
Your teacher likely isn’t ignoring grades out of malice—they’re juggling priorities in a system that often overloads educators. By staying organized, speaking up calmly, and preparing solutions (not just complaints), you’ll not only resolve this issue but build resilience for future challenges.
And hey, if all else fails, maybe design a robot to automatically nag them about Schoology. Now that would be an impressive final project.
Please indicate: Thinking In Educating » The Mysterious Case of Missing Grades: What to Do When Your Engineering Teacher Doesn’t Update Schoology