I decided at the beginning of the year that participation would count for 10% of the quarter grade in my classes (I have a very specific rubric, it encompasses behavior, preparedness, participation, etc). I teach a senior (12th grade) elective (psychology) and am starting to feel like 10% isn't enough. I plan a lot of mini-experiments and spend a lot of time attempting thoughtful discussions. Due to this, the class just doesn't work when the students don't participate. I just did grades for progress reports and feel like a lot of students are getting A's and B's that don't deserve them. They do all their homework and do well on the tests, but they never contribute to class discussions and practically have to be begged to participate in any sort of experimental activity. I feel like 50% of the students in my class are the ones who run the whole class. They raise their hands, they lead group activities, they talk during the group presentations, etc. However, because participation is only 10%, the other 50% manage to get a good grade even though they don't do a hell of a lot. So, I'm at the point where I want to increase participation from 10% to 15% or even 20%, but then I feel like that's crazy. Any thoughts on this?
I have taught AP US History for close to 10 years and to be honest in advanced level classes I DO NOT grade participation. I have a class of 16, and my kids end up participating more and more as the year goes on. I think with how comfortable they feel in class. I may begin grading class participation and I haven't decided yet how much I will but any over 10% I will have to start deducting significantly from my test/quiz categories, so I am not sure.
When I was in high school, I believe that participation was 15%- I don't think that's crazy, but can you change your criteria mid-year?
I use total points grading, so I wouldn't really be taking away from another category. However, I have considered just working a participation component into individual assignments over the course of the quarter instead of making it one whopping grade at the end. (for what it's worth, this is not an advanced class. In fact, my school also offers AP psych, which I don't teach.)
It's a half year course, I was thinking ahead for when I start fresh after Christmas. I wouldn't change it now.
I wouldn't raise it more then 10% personally.. a student who gets A's and B's shouldn't be in danger of not passing due to lack of participation... Now having said that.. no student who doesn't participate should get an A.. if your grading scale is set up as 10% no participation puts them at a B automatically. Don't be afraid to give 0 points for the day. Make sure to show them there participation grades.. make sure they know its effecting there grade. my thoughts anyway
This is not from a teaching perspective, but as a really shy student, I have often been hurt by low participation grades. I have always made A's and B's but am rarely comfortable enough to participate in class unless encouraged - or unless it's a really small class. Not participating doesn't always mean you don't have a firm grasp on the concepts. Just a different perspective for you.
