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[bubbagump]

I've looked through the threads for discussion of this but am becoming even more confused.

I'm working on my syllabus for a new course I'll be teaching next semester. I typically have used the 1000 point grading system that breaks down something like this:  200 points - midterm, 200 points - final, 150 points - assignment, 150 points - assignment, 100 points - participation, 200 points - group work = 1000. While I'm grading assignments, I keep in mind whether this is an "A" paper, "C-", etc. and give points accordingly. I don't know if this is the best system to use but it's easier in the end to figure out their overall grade because I just add up the points. I usually give them feedback on their assignments like:  135/150 = A.

What my non-math brain is trying to figure out now is how to integrate something like "reading response" papers that would be worth 150 points. They would do 7 or 8 of them throughout the 13 week semester. If I break each one down into points, if they do 7 they are worth 21.4 points each. That seems strange to evaluate based on this.

I don't have much room with other assignments to increase the points and want to make sure the reading responses are worth something so they'll do the readings. That is the main goal.

But I can't figure out how to integrate such an odd number of papers. Maybe I should have them write 10 at 15 points each???! My inflexible inexperienced non-math head is tired.

[lucero]

Why don't you just have 7 papers, and they are worth 20 points each? That would give you 140. I don't do my grades this way--I actually use percentages and weight the categories (midterm, final, participation, quizzes, readings, etc.) Very easy to transfer into Blackboard and have it do the math or to do by hand.

[bubbagump]

Thank you! See, my brain dead head couldn't even think of having anything that isn't outside of my 150, 200 point scale. If I make them worth 140 points, then I could add 10 points elsewhere, ...to class discussions and make that worth 160 instead of 150.

I'm so glad the fall semester is over.