Chapter 14 LIndemann

As I was reading Chapter 14, I was reflecting on my experience as a student,. In comparing papers returned to me over the years, I have made the following observations.

Firstly, many professors seem to utilize comments to point out errors or justify the grade given to me, an observation also made by Lindemann.Additionally, some professors gave feedback to me that is somewhat obscure in meaning. Especially difficult is the situation in which some instructors use codes or abbreviations when making comments. While some gave me some sort of key, others do not, making such comments worthless.Finally, some professors would indicate that I was doing something incorrectly without giving them strategies to correct the error.

If I could say anything to these professors, I would say the following, a lá the book of Exodus.

1. Thou shalt not use a correction symbol without explaining what the symbol represents.
2. Thou shalt not say "complicate your thesis" without explaining what that means.
3. Thou shalt not make thy comments in an illegible manner.
4. Thou shalt not give one word comments without context.
5. Thou shalt not mark a grammar error without giving some indication of the nature of the error, or at least indicating the page in "Rules for writers" where the error can be found.

Here is how I would advise students to approach their professors who break these  "commandments",

-Tell me what you mean by that particular correction mark? What message are you trying to send me?
-I understand you are dissatified by my thesis and I appreciate the feedback. Exactly how do I complicate a thesis?
-Can you go over this with me? I am having difficulty interpreting this comment. (This avoids the awkwardness of saying that  the professor's handwriting is abysmal.)
-Can you expand on this comment for me?
-Exactly what type of error is this? Does the grammar book address this issue?

I believe if my professors had not violated these commandments my educational experience would probably have been more fruitful.  In the final analysis, all I can do is to make sure I do not do the same.