They did fail to demonstrate knowledge of lexicographical order, which this exercise seems to be aiming for with the inclusion of pond and pumpkin, so I think it's a bit cynical to consider failing the student on this a means of opression or subjugation.

[–] melsaskca@lemmy.ca -2 points 2 days ago (2 children)

Let me put it this way then. I wonder if they will give him credit for his knowledge because he proved he knows what "alphabetical order" is. Will he lose any credit because he didn't follow, or misunderstood, the question? Will he be marked on what he knows or how he understands the query?

[–] Bazoogle@lemmy.world 4 points 2 days ago

It's elementary school. They'd probably just explain it and have them try again.

[–] Jax@sh.itjust.works 3 points 2 days ago (1 children)

The child did not prove that they know what alphabetical order is, they proved that they know the alphabet.

This does not showcase intellect, it showcases a lack of critical thinking.

[–] SleeplessCityLights@programming.dev 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

This is a neurodivergent solution. You can know everything correctly but without a properly defined problem, you go with your best assumption. People that think differently, assume different things.

[–] Jax@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Write the following words in alphabetical order (the order that they appear in the alphabet).

This is not a neurodivergent solution, this is simply incorrect — the instructions are clear. You can try to rationalize why it somehow is correct, you are also wrong.

[–] SleeplessCityLights@programming.dev 0 points 1 day ago (1 children)

You actually highlighted the problem.

Words means individual words, you would need to say "list of words"

Entire groups of people go through school systems being wrong even though they are right, this is an actual problem. It destroys children's self esteem.

[–] Jax@sh.itjust.works 1 points 22 hours ago* (last edited 22 hours ago)

A few things:

Words mean individual words

Correct, we have another word called 'letters'. As it pertains to this instance, when you take the letters of the word 'apple' and rearrange them alphabetically — they are no longer a word. Unless you would accept aelpp as a spelling of apple.

I sincerely doubt this is the first time this child has seen the term alphabetical order, I would be inclined to think the child is a clever smartass depending on the individual.
Either way, the situation is very simple to handle without breaking the childs self esteem.

'I totally understand why you came to the conclusion you did, and you did write the letters in alphabetical order! However, the instructions say to 'write the words in alphabetical order'. Try again, I bet you'll get 100%!'

The child is most likely just wrong. Teaching them to think critically about their failures is not a problem. Treating them as if failure is some pit they need to forever keep from falling into definitely is, and not helping the child learn to navigate failure is infinitely more detrimental.