Participation Grades
I recognized very early on in my career how participation could be so subjective in nature. Therefore, I tried to make my participation/professionalism category of my grade as objective as possible. I use a five point scale for each class meeting. The students can earn a point for completing each of the following: being on time and not leaving early, prepared for class (have writing utensil, paper,etc), wearing student ID (which is required at our school and most careers), participating in class, having assignments completed that are not designated as graded assignments. If they are absent, then I can't see any of the subcategories. It results in a "0" for the day. I have never had a student dispute this grade with me. They actually tell me that they know what this part of the grade is in my class compared to some of the other instructors in our college.
Hi Joseph:
One of the best methods for grading systems is to develop a rubric that is presented to the students the first day of class (or as soon as possible) so the student knows the expectations.
Regards, Barry
Hi Lolita:
The idea of "participation grades" is that they are tied into the overall class grading component. That means a student not only has to be present, but also needs to demonstrate they are willing and able to work in groups, discuss topic matter, etc.
If using this at all, it is important to lay out the expectations in the class syllabus so everyone knows what they are supposed to do.
Regards, Barry
I address attendance, participation and homework in one grading category, APH. I refer to APH in my addendum as a reflection on the professionalism of the student. We are not allowed to use attendance as a grading criteria; in turn I take the position that the student needs to be in class to earn APH points. The student cannot participate or review and discuss homework if not in clas.
Hi Chris:
Whether we use this or not, it's important for the student to know beforehand the consequences of lack of participation in class activities.
Regards, Barry
Hi Donna:
A lot of institutions incorporate participation grades into the overall class grade to encourage professionalism and participation.
Regards, Barry
Hi Melissa:
Many institutions are starting to use this kind of tool and incorporate it into the grading system as a means of fostering professionalism and attention to detail.
Regards, Barry
Great idea, Melissa! Before Gradekeeper, I had participation tied to attendance, but it doesn't seem to work very good with the electronic system we are using now. I like your idea...it rewards those who come to class prepared, and penalizes those who either don't show up or come unprepared.
I gleaned alot of valuable information on how to determine a participation grade by reading your "policy". My biggest concern has been trying to find a way to make this grade an objective one and was using attendance as the primary factor since I could 'measure' that by simply looking at the attendance sheet. Now, after reading your entry, I am going to incorporate aspects of your 'point system' when entering my participation grades which are actually due with my other course grades for midterm coming up next week! Thanks for your timely and valuable advice! (I am going to share my point system with the students as well so they can take the initiative to improve in the areas in which they may be deficient.) Thank you!
Are there a lot of other points in your class so the student can't pass just by showing up?
Good idea for participation grade....I believe I'll stress the being on time and not leaving early especially.
For the course that I teach, everyone is required to participate every day that they are in class. I do count attendance as the crucial area of class participation. I also note students' professionalism: conduct, dress.
