Kathy and other TIPSters,
To respond to your question, it would be helpful to have more
information about the course, the assignment, and the grading. I'm
going to go out onto the proverbial limb here, but I think that at least
75% of the time, our grading policies for assignments are legitimate.
But that means that around 25% of the time, students' gripes are
legitimate. So, tell us more about your assignments, please.
>From your brief post, you mentioned "a set of writing assignments."
Does that mean that each one builds upon the previous one(s) in some
fashion? If so, then such "developmental" writing assignments
legitimately can be worth fewer points. The final product at the end of
the term should be worth much more, because students are expected to
take your feedback on previous assignments and show learning/improvement
on the final assignment. Is this what you are doing?
If, on the other hand, each of your assignments is more of a "stand
alone," then your students might have a legitimate concern. Is library
research or data collection involved? Obviously, such activities take
time, effort, and skill that should be rewarded if demonstrated. If the
assignments involve "simply" writing about their required readings
and/or in-class lectures/discussions, then fewer points are needed.
Just my $.02. Again, I'd like to hear more about the course and
assignment.
Barbara
Dr. Barbara Watters
Mercyhurst College
501 E. 38th St.
Erie, PA 16546
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Kathleen Morgan wrote:
>
> Hi Tipsters,
> I have a bunch of students in my class who are upset because
> the amount of effort they are putting in to a set of writing assignments
> does not "equal" the grade they are receiving on those assignments. That is,
> the students are confounding time put in to a project with the quality of
> the final product.
> How can I best explain to them the difference here? I tried using
> the metaphor of going to the gym to lose weight; sometimes you put a lot
> of effort in, for no apparent net gain. High effort does not equal or
> necessitate high grades.
> But still, I have some disgruntled customers who are complaining
> bitterly (by the way, they may rewrite assignments for a higher grade, with
> no penalty).
> How can I address this issue with my class? Your help is sorely
> needed.....
>
> Thanks!
> --kathy Morgan
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
