Economics teachers + a question

[quynhich]

Economics

[chasej]

My economics teacher is rather... how do I put it? Crap.
In a Unit 3 SAC on Microeconomics, he took off 2 marks for my response to "Discuss two reasons for government intervention in markers. (4 marks)" because I discussed market failure and stabilisation of the economy. He claimed the latter was macroeconomics and therefore wrong, even though stabilisation is explicitly mentioned under that AOS and outcome and in multiple textbooks and study guides?
Is there any chance that I am in the wrong here?
He also refuses to cross-mark his SACs (told me that he doesn't have to assess every dot point in the SD), tells us in advance what is in some SACs, or does not teach us all the content. I'm worried my incompetent teacher is going to seriously affect my study score and ATAR, and am regretting undertaking this subject. Should I take up a tutor? Advice?

Hey,  welcome to AN.

In regards to the question about the SAC, yes I would agree with your teacher. The last two words "in markets" implies micro economics and therefore a better answer would be discuss, not market failure in general, but rather discuss 2 specific market failures and how the government addresses them. Stabilisation may be mentioned in the course but has little relevance to the question which was asked on the SAC.

Teachers don't have to assess every dot point in SACs, doing that would take to long, rather they should focus on assessing students overall understanding of the topics taught. However it makes sense they would teach every dot point to ready their students for the exam. If your teacher isn't teaching every dot point then, regrettably, you may have to accept that and teach it to yourself if the teacher won't budge from their position. Khan academy has some pretty good video about economics which are targeted at a university audience and therefore can give you a pretty good understanding. Cross-marking isn't compulsory according to VCAA, unless a scaling group is made up of 2 or more separate classes, but is a good way to resolve disputes about marks.

If the teacher tells you in advance what's in the SAC or gives hints that's really no problem unless they tell specific students more than others. I know my teacher has given some hints in the past such as "most of the marks would be taken from the practice material given to you" and similar (never told us in advance specific questions though).

I don't know your teacher and therefore can't address whether they are really as incompetent as you make them out to be but if it provides any solace one mediocre SS is unlikely to dramatically affect your ATAR due to 5th/6th subjects only counting for 10%. If you think you need a tutor by all means get one but maybe try working it out amicably with your teacher/self first.

[shooterblitz]

Thank you! That was really, really helpful. Particularly your explanation of the question. The teacher and I are on more amicable terms now. Although I do maintain that he is no good, half the class is failing and can only pass certain SACS because he has disclosed the contents of the SAC in advance (I'm worried we won't be prepared for the exam!). But alas, nothing I can do. (And you're right, it's very much likely to be my 6th).

Join the club! Last year, our class average for Economics was approximately 80-90%. This year, we've had a first year graduate, and current average is 50-60%. We've struggled all year, and I'm still failing to understand the content. Plenty of gaps, and self-study has been my best bet. Good luck to you for the remaining SAC's and the exam though