Thoughts on Grading

Below is a letter I sent out to Writing 1 & 2 about grades.  Writing 3 has been a little different since we didn't have weekly assignments that were scored and graded.  I thought I'd share my thoughts with the class (and students) anyway.
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Dear Writing 1 & 2 Classes,

I've just finished calculating the grades for this first semester.  As tutors, these are suggested grades for you as homeschooling families to consider.

 

Before I send them, let me share my thoughts on grades.  As I homeschooled, I didn't give my children grades.  I felt that grades were far too subjective.  I taught my own children for mastery.  We didn't proceed with a topic until they were ready no matter how long that took. 

 

Letter grades are a funny thing.  For some students, it becomes the only motivation for doing well.  For some, it becomes a measure of their worth as a person or as an academic learner.  I personally don't like these "side effects" of the grading system.  On the other hand, grades can be a valid reward for working hard, being diligent, and understanding the materials.

 

When teaching students to be good writers, I give a lot of consideration for growth and improvement. Each student has a starting place; over time I look for him or her to learn the mechanics of grammar, good writing techniques, and analytical thinking skills.

 

For this class, I gave points for attendance, participation, short assignments and longer papers.  I also offered a few extra credit opportunities.  I tend to be an "easy grader" and like to see my students encouraged to do their best.

 

Each student (and parents) will get an e-mail with percentages and suggested grades for this semester. 

 

Blessings,

Tammy Prichard

 

PS.  I will be gone to England and without internet options from December 28 to January 9.  Feel free to contact me after that date if you have any questions about the scores.

Writing 3 Class Notes -- December 6

Greetings!

We are in Week 14 of this term.  The last 2 weeks of our time together are set for the students to give presentations about their research projects. We didn't do any test essays, vocabulary, or grammar work today.  Our class time was devoted to presentations.  Between the presentations, we played a round of "Articulate," a game in which players try to make each other says words by giving them clues.

We had three presentations today from Michael, Caitlyn, and Kayla.  They each gave short speeches which summarized their research.  We had visual aids and touching stories.  Afterward, the students fielded questions from their classmates.  The students also game some feedback to one another about the strengths and positive aspects of their presentations.  They were good masters of their material.

Following the presentations, we discussed the process of this project.  I asked them what they learned about their topics that they found surprising or especially interesting.  I also asked them what they learned about themselves as researchers, writers, and learners.  They have all been very thoughtful, deliberate, and hard-working. 

Next week -- Danielle, Hanna, and Charity will give their presentations.

The students also mentioned "treats."  Feel free to bring any goodies to class.

Have a great week!
Mrs. Prichard

Writing 3 Class Notes -- November 29

Greetings!

We are down to the wire with our research papers!  As we met this week we discussed any last questions about the papers that students had.  We also spent a significant amount of time talking about the presentation portion of this assignment.

I decided to make this a part of the class because it increases ownership of the topic for the students and is often a part of senior or capstone projects.  It also gives the student an opportunity to share their hard work with the others in the class.  The guidelines for the presentation are fairly simple:  take 5 to 15 minutes to share the highlights of the research.  The students are encouraged to use visual aids like posters, maps, or even live animals.

Next Week:
-- Final copies of the papers are due!
     Anyone who wants me to take a look at his/her papers before next week should send it in before Monday so that I have enough time to read it and get it back before Tuesday.
-- Come prepared for presentations:
     Everyone by Hanna is presenting next week.

Note:  Our last week of classes is December 13.  We'll have one last presentation and a "party"  of food and literature/writing activities.

Have a great week!
Mrs. Prichard