Grading - Java and the Web - Lecture Slides, Slides of Java Programming

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Grading

New Grading Policy

• The Computer Science Department has become concerned about grade inflation and has developed the following guidelines for graduate courses: - A – 25% of the class - B+ – 25% of the class - B – 30% of the class
• If I deviate from these percentages, I have to be able to justify doing so. While I will not apply these standards rigidly, I now have definite standards for each grade.

Charity Grades

• Usually, students who clearly demonstrate the skills required for an A will have an average of 95% or above. There is no limit on the number of A grades I will give to these students. If fewer than 25% of the students in a class meet these requirements, I will give a few A grades to students who came close.

Requirement for B+

• In general, B+ students will meet the same requirements as A students, with less originality. Their demonstrated competence may be less convincing, or they may not help in supporting other students or in improving the course. They will complete all assignments on time and have them work properly.

C Students

• Students who are habitually late with assignments, do them poorly, or recycle other people’ programs instead of showing original work will get a C or C+.
• In addition, anyone who uses ANY code or documentation from someone else without giving credit cannot get a grade higher than C+.

Changing Grades

• From experience, I have found that the students who complain about grades are usually the worst students, so I seldom change grades.
• One or two low grades is irrelevant for a good student, as the requirement for a good grade is to demonstrate skill by the end of the semester. Therefore, only mediocre students have to worry about grades.

Typical letter from B student

Esteemed, Respected Professor Blank:

I really worked hard in this class and expected an A. I got A’s on most of my homework. I won’t get into the PhD program, my mother won’t love me, and my fiancé won’t marry me unless I get an A. Please change my grade to A. Desperate

My typical response

Dear Desperate:

I think you must have me confused with another instructor. I teach computer science, not begging. Sincerely yours, Professor Blank

Exam Alternative

• Students who make a major revision to a lecture or create a new lecture may be excused from an exam. Only students who do exceptional homework, are active in providing technical support on Web Board and request permission in advance may do a presentation.
• Most students who qualify to do this would get an A on the exam, so it may not mean much. It does help me remember you when I write letters of recommendation.