Lynn,
The stuff you posted looks great! I don't feel left out at all because I created some of this stuff. Again, thanks for taking the time to get this show on the road!
Suzanne


Grading Policy

A few words about grading: It is not my favorite part of teaching. However, it is necessary and gives you an idea of how you are doing throughout the class. I will make every effort to post your grades for the week as soon as possible.

The grading system for this course is based on a scale of 10. You can earn as many as 10 points for each week’s assignments, which include posts, submission of assigned projects, essays, and responses. The final project is worth 25 points
The total number of points you can earn for the course is 165. This means the grading for the semester looks like this:
148 – 165 points = A
132 – 147 points = B
116 – 131 points = C
99 – 115 points = D

At Midterm: (maximum points available: 70)
63 – 70 points = A
56 – 62 points = B
49 – 55 points = C
42 – 48 points = D

WEEKLY DISCUSSION BOARD GRADES:

8-10 points = Excellent posts which include information from the reading assignments and critical thinking on your part. Responses are spread throughout the week and indicate that you have not only read the assigned reading, but your peer’s posts as well.

7 points = Several posts which include some references to the reading material, and more than two responses which are posted at different times.

5-6 points = A post which addresses the question in a very general way, and one or two responses that are written at the same time. Blackboard tracks posting times, so it is evident when you have spent 15 minutes on your posts for the week. Even though you may in fact be reading every post all week, I have no way of knowing this if you do not interact with your peers.

An absence is indicated by a grade of 0 for the week.

As the above criteria indicates, I am looking for meaningful synthesis of the reading material, quality interactions spread over the course of the week, and “critical thinking” on your part. Critical thinking is indicated by your opinion on the topic, and why you feel the way you do.

If you ever have questions or comments about grades or anything else, do not hesitate to contact me via email or phone. It is always better to address issues sooner rather than later.

Suzanne
suzpurcell@gmail.com
802-922-0058

The section below is what I post after midterms, or email to a student of things are not going well.
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR GRADES:

To earn a 10, you have to submit substantial posts that reflect what you've read in the text. They must be submitted on time according to the instructions for that Discussion Board. In addition, you have to be posting more than two posts to your peers. Some folks are posting 10 or more responses. This tells me they are reading everyone's posts (a requirement for this course) and that they are actively engaging in the discussions.
One factor that is important is when you post. Posting early in the week's session ensures that everyone will read your post and you are much more likely to receive feedback from your peers. This often results in your greater involvement because you will be responding to responses. This constitutes active participation.
You also have an opportunity to earn extra credit. Please scroll down through the Discussion Board instructions for information about this project, and be very careful to follow the instructions exactly.
I hope this is helpful. As always, if you need to discuss any of this further, please contact me.
Suzanne
suzpurcell@gmail.com
802.922.0058