It’s always difficult when it comes time to assign final grades. The individual grades on papers are easier, because the student gets another chance, no matter what. If a student gets a D on his or her first paper, there are more papers to be written, and more opportunities to improve. Final grades are so…final.
I try to be clear about what my expectations are in terms of grades, but it seems as though there are always some misconceptions. I think that sometimes students and teachers are working on different grading scales:
Grading scale as perceived by some students:
A = I did all the work that was expected of me at the minimum level. I turned in all the papers, most of them on time, even though a couple of them weren’t very good, because I didn’t have enough time to work on them. My attendance was pretty good. Also, I’m a nice person.
B = I did most of the work, but there was one paper I just couldn’t finish. Also I was sick a lot, but I called you to let know I was sick. My attendance was OK. Also, I’m a nice person.
C = I turned in half the papers. I’ve been really busy, and I didn’t know college was going to be so hard. I’m a really nice person.
D = I’m pretty sure I turned something in, at some point during this class. I really need a D so I can save my financial aid/eligibility for athletics /GPA. I am a very, very, nice person and I plan to be much better in the future.
F = I am so sorry. I completely forgot I signed up for this class. Can I get an incomplete? Can I get you anything? Can I wash your car?
Grading scale as perceived by some teachers:
A = Great job totally kissing my butt this semester.
B = Great job not bothering me all semester.
C = I want to flunk you, but I can’t find anyway to justify doing so based on my syllabus. Damn.
D = Nice try, Skippy.
F = Bwah hah hahahahah HAH!
OK, so maybe I’m exaggerating a little. It does seem that a little of both of these scales creeps into class from time to time. Here’s The Real Grading Scale, as honestly as I can write it..
The Real Grading Scale
A = A complete portfolio of outstanding work, far above normal expectations. It may not be perfect, but I enjoyed reading this. Wow.
B = A complete portfolio of work that you tried really hard on, some of which is really good, some of which could use a little work.
C = A complete portfolio of work that is OK, but I sense you could have done better if you tried, OR a complete portfolio of work that doesn’t quite measure up but I KNOW you worked so hard on it.
D = I can’t give you a better grade because your work is incomplete, or completely fails to meet the expectations of the course.
F = You didn’t do much this semester.
Now, this isn’t the grading scale I put in my syllabus, but it’s pretty much in my head. Am I expecting to much? Too little? What do you think?
Dave at Emory we have this expectation from a lot of students: hey my parents pay a SHITLOAD of money to send me here. I have gotten everything I always wanted my whole life. I drive a maserati and you will give me an "A+" because I am entitled to it. Yes, I said "A+," if you give me an "A" I will hound you day and night until I get that "A+."
ReplyDeleteThe grading Scale also differs by class. For example, basic freshman literature: did you demonstrate in writing that you can read critically and organize your thoughts cohesively in more than 5 paragraphs? Attaboy, go be a literate engineer! Alternatively, post-war theory and criticism 1400: this is the 5th class we've had together in two semesters, I know when you're peddling crap and I know what you're capable of. I just read 30 freshman lit papers making me want to strangle the inventor of standardized testing...impress me.
ReplyDeleteScott: I run into some of that too, but here in rural Wyoming it goes more like "you better give me an A because my dad effing owns this town and he's on Rotary with the College president."
ReplyDeleteBrad: Very well put.
I should also probably point out that here at Central, "D"'s do not qualify as passing the course. A "D" in freshman comp means you will retake the course in order to graduate.
I want to have my students deliver a speech based on your site... Serious
ReplyDeleteWow Matt. Thanks.
ReplyDelete