Grade Calculations

I will use the Amherst approved grading scale which is located in the student handbook.

Final Grading percentages will include the following

Class Preparation ………………………………………….…….30% of your grade

a. Completing Homework which will be in the flip the classroom model (classroom Notes)

b. Completing items in a timely fashion

c. Being able to partake in class discussion

d. Online items that will be created

Assessments…………………………………………….……….60% of your grade

a. Student-created projects or assignments (Artifacts)

b. Multiple Choice, quizzes online and in-class (Artifacts)

American Citizenship…………………………………..……….20% of your grade

a. Full Participating in Class

b. Being a Positive Amherst Steele Student

c. Promoting a collaborative classroom environment

d. Leaving your smartphone away.

e. American History Performance Level Descriptors

Grade calculation

1st grading period 40%

2nd grading period 40%

Course Mid Term or Final Exam 20%

Course Final Exam and Course Average Final Grade

Consideration in Grading assignments

Examples of Academic Responses on Discussion Boards

• Are you offering a comprehensive response to the discussion prompt?

  • Did you answer all elements of the prompt or just part of it?

  • Is there a connection to other readings and assignments?

  • Use specific examples from the reading to support your ideas

Common Pitfalls

Underdeveloped responses

1. • Statements like “I agree with the author” or “The author makes a good point” are easy, but they don’t demonstrate understanding of the material or add anything to the conversation

   • Why do you agree? What specifically is the point the author is making?

2. Repeating other students- adding something

1. • 1. This is a discussion, so you are expected to add something

3. Ineffective peer responses

1. • Instructors will sometimes require you to respond to other students as part of the assignment; even when it’s not required, actively participating in the discussion will help expand your understanding of the concepts

   • “Great point!” and “I agree” don’t add anything to the conversation. Just like your main post, your response to your peers should expand on their ideas or challenge them (respectfully)

4. Are you saying something new or just repeating other students?

1. • If you can, look at what other students have already said and add something new. You wouldn’t raise your hand in a face-to-face class and repeat something someone else just said.

   • Write something that furthers the conversation

5. Grammar, Spelling, and Fonts

The Discussion Board is part of a college course, so your writing style should conform to the rules of standard English. Here are some guidelines for all messages posted to the course's Discussion Board and course-associated emails:

• Avoid slang (e.g., "Wassup?", "Yo," and so forth).

• Don't curse.

• Use standard spelling:

  • you (not u)

  • are (not r)

  • to or too (not 2)

  • you're (not ure)

  • right (not rite)

  • I (not i)

• Use the spell check! Mistakes in spelling and grammar reflect poorly on you, and they're not acceptable.

• Stick to standard fonts -- Times New Roman, Arial, Helvetica, 12 or 14 pt. -- and colors -- black or blue.

• DON'T WRITE THE ENTIRE POSTING WITH YOUR CAPS LOCK ON. IT'S REALLY ANNOYING.

Simple rules for better PowerPoint presentations

5/5/5 rule PowerPoint

• At each slide, you can only have five lines.

• You should not write more than five words in each line.

• If you are using bullet points, you should only add five bullet points.

Assessment requirement as of January 4, 2022

Out of 50 = 50/50 100%

49.5/50 99% 44.5/50 89% 39.5/50 79% 34.5/50 69%

49/50 98% 44/50 88% 39/50 78% 34/50 68%

48.5/50 97% 43.5/50 87% 38.5/50 77% 33.5/50 67%

48/50 96% 43/50 86% 38/50 76% 33/50 66%

47.5/50 95% 42.5/50 85% 37.5/50 75% 32.5/50 65%

47/50 94% 42/50 84% 37/50 74% 32/50 64%

46.5/50 93% 41.5/50 83% 36.5/50 73% 31.5/50 63%

46/50 92% 41/50 82% 36/50 72% 31/50 62%

45.5/50 91% 40.5/50 81% 35.5/50 71% 30.5/50 61%

45/50 90% 40/50 80% 35/50 70% 30/50 60%

Out of 30 = 30/30 100%

29.5/30 98% 26.5/30 88% 23.5/30 78% 20/30 68%

29/30 96% 26/30 86% 23/30 76% 19.5/30 65%

28.5/30 95% 25.5/30 85% 22.5/30 75% 19/30 63%

28/30 93% 25/30 83% 22/30 73% 18.5/30 61%

27.5/30 91% 24.5/30 81% 21.5/30 72% 18/30 60%

27/30 90% 24/30 80% 21/30 70% 17.5/30 58%

Out of 15 = 15/15 100%

14.5/15 97% 13/15 87% 11.5/15 77% 10/15 67%

14/15 93% 12.5/15 83% 11/15 73% 9.5/15 63%

13.5/15 90% 12/15 80% 10.5/15 70% 9/15 60%