Grading
Without doubt, grades cause a lot of anxiety. To be honest, I detest reducing student work to a letter grade. I do, however, agree strongly with certain rationales for grading as a necessary form of assessment, both for myself and for you, to evaluate your progress. I like to use numerical systems, similar to the way judges evaluate award entries. The numbers often given a more accurate assessment of a student's work. But if you ever disagree with the final evaluation, I always welcome a discussion about your work.
If you want me to change a grade, then you will need to make a strong, persuasive case for me doing so. Telling me that you put in a lot of effort is not a compelling enough reason to make your grade higher because audiences only care about the final results. I do take into consideration your effort, but the final results of your work weigh more heavily. In addition, asking me to re-evaluate your work could also lead to a grade reduction if I find the original grade was too generous. However, let's start by having a conversation about the work and what a re-evaluation might mean for your grade.
In this class, I hope to achieve a climate that is safe and compassionate. You shouldn't have to feel fear or even humiliation for getting a low grade. We gain experience through our mistakes. Don't feel that you should avoid mistakes at all cost. If you want to be a good learner, then you need to be honest with yourself. You need to feel free to acknowledge your mistakes and to acknowledge when you're confused, and to do so earlier in the semester so we can work together to help you overcome problem areas before they become overwhelming. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
I want to make assessment part of your learning, which focuses on what I know potential employers are looking for. I welcome an open dialogue with you about your work and would like to schedule at least one appointment with each of you earlier in the semester.
You can find out exactly the criteria I use under Grading Rubric. Please read the criteria carefully - see links below.
|
A- to A |
B to B+ |
C- to B- |
D to F |
|
9-10 Exemplary |
8-8.9 Proficient |
4-7.9 Partially Proficient |
1-3.9 Unsatisfactory |
Time Management is a must!
Time is your most precious resource - don't waste it! I take deadlines very seriously. To do well in this
class, you will need to practice good time management, which is part of your
professional development. Good time management means getting an earlier start on assignments, learning to prioritise the activities in your life that will be most beneficial to getting your assignments done well, and using your electronic devices for scheduling purposes to help you plan ahead. Employers want a job candidate who is a
problem-solver, a critical thinker, uses excellent communication skills and is
reliable. But showing that you can meet deadlines will make you that much more desirable as a job candidate.
What if my work is late?
If
you miss a deadline, you will simply add more to your workload. But I do not guarantee that you'll be able to make up late
work. Extensions
are granted only if there is a compelling reason and if you communicate well in advance your concerns about getting the work done on time. However, one of your
learning objectives is that you develop efficient time
management skills. The quality of your work depends on whether you give yourself enough time to do it. Your
effort is considered in the grade, but the end product shows whether
you fully understand the material. I welcome your questions and will
gladly offer help if you ask for it. But for the most part, late work
will not be accepted.
Take ownership of your education
Ultimately, your goal
is to find a job, and doing exemplary work will get you noticed by prospective
employers. To get an A means that you've gone the extra mile, putting in more effort than the average student. But the ultimate goal in this class is not to get an A; the ultimate goal is getting a job, and to do that means you need to demonstrate exemplary work, giving prospective employers all the more reason to hire you.
Be proactive - seek out help
I always welcome a discussion with you about your work. But you need to seek out advice and get clarification on anything that leaves you confused. Don't attempt to start an assignment until you know fully what's expected of you. If you feel that the instructions for an assignment are confusing, or if you're having other concerns about the work, then learn to ask questions. Come to my office and we'll chat.
What if my work is unsatisfactory?
If your work falls short of professional expectations, then it might be said that you need to put in more effort. Learning is a profession, not some gestalt switch. Relying on shortcuts, putting in minimal effort, starting your work late, leaving everything to the last minute and not making enough time to achieve proper results all contribute to work that is unsatisfactory. Remember, I'm not the only pair of eyes looking at what you do - your work will be screened by an audience. I'm always willing to help you sort out ways to do better, but you need to help yourself, also. Let's work together! The earlier the better.