Grading in How AI Is Changing Higher Education
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Grading in How AI Is Changing Higher Education
The aim of this class is learning. To keep grades and grading from distracting us too much from that aim, I have a simple framework for assigning grades. Half your final grade is determined by the six short essays you submit. Half your grade is determined by making a meaningful contribution to the student-led workshop in December, which includes all class discussion and activities.
How is each studentβs contribution to the student-led workshop in December along with class discussions and activities graded?
I will participate in and observe the planning and preparation for the student-led workshop, so my direct observations are one way I will evaluate whether you are making a meaningful contribution.
If you miss class, you will not be able to make a meaningful contribution. If I think your contributions are falling short of meaningful, I will schedule a meeting to discuss this with you. If you are worried that you are unable to make a meaningful contribution, please schedule a meeting with me.
On November 17, there will be a practice run-through of the workshop during class time. This is a student-only session where you and your group will finalize your preparations. At the conclusion of the practice session, each student will submit an evaluation of whether you and your collaborators are ready. This may include letting me know if you or one of your collaborators is not contributing in a meaningful way.
There are four assignments detailed in Canvas that indicate progress toward completing the student-led workshop. In preparation for the last class meeting and in writing the last short essay, you will reflect on your experience presenting the workshop, including your contributions.
Here are the four ways I will evaluate your contributions: 1) direct observation; 2) informal reports from you and your peers; 3) the formal report on the practice session on November 17; 4) your reflections in Short Essay #6 and in class on December 8.
All meaningful contributions to the student-led workshop are graded as A.
Missing more than one or two class meetings will make it challenging to receive an A. Missing more than three classes will make it difficult to complete the class successfully.
How are the essays graded?
Completing all six essays is required to pass the course, but they are not graded beyond judging that they demonstrate an honest attempt to think, feel, and practice how AI is changing higher education and verifying that you remembered to submit each one. The Gradebook in Canvas is set up to track your completion of each essay, so that you and I both know when you have completed each one.
If you turn in an essay that does not meet the minimum word requirement or does not represent an honest attempt to think, feel, and practice how AI is changing higher education, I will meet with you to discuss and what you need to do in order to do to submit a passing paper.
I am happy to read a draft of your paper and give you feedback before you submit it. Make an appointment with me (and send me the draft the night before) to make that happen.
All essays that demonstrate an honest attempt to think, feel, and practice how AI is changing higher education are graded as A.
For more about writing the short essays, see Writing the Short Essay Assignments.
Assigning final grades
Given the course framework and topics, I expect everyone in the class to receive an A. If you have any questions or concerns about your grades, make an appointment with me. The Canvas Gradebook will record when you submit an assignment and whether it was late.
If you are worried that there are things external to class that will make it difficult for you to succeed, you should talk with your academic advisor as soon as possible. You can also talk with me, but there are academic policies and sources of support that your advisor is best able to talk with you about. If helpful, I will meet with you and your advisor to discuss any problems.
I only assign temporary grades or an incomplete as a grade in consultation with your academic advisor.
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