Lecture grading

• The final grade will be the average of the hour tests, final, and homework.

• The homework, reading-summary, and pop-quiz average is equivalent to one test.

• The final will count the same as any test.

• The lowest of these scores will be dropped.

• An average of 90% or above is guaranteed an A, 80% or above at least a B, 70% or above at least a C, 60% or above at least a D. However, curving of grades may enable students to get higher grades. There will be a gray area between letter grades in the final distribution where people with the same average could get different letter grades. If you are in this area the grade you get depends on your score on bonus problems and whether your test and homework performance has been improving (grade goes up) or declining (it goes down). I can raise a grade one letter if I feel it is appropriate.

• If you do well on the hour tests and homework, you can skip the final.

• You may re-take any test problem to bring your grade up. I want your final class grade to indicate what you have learned in the class. For example, you might not understand the material covered by a test question at the time of the test and score low. If after a week (or a month) of studying, the material makes sense, you should come to my office and re-take that question. Often students feel the exam score doesn't show what they really know; the re-take will let you show me you know the material.
  • The re-take will be oral in my office with you at the board.
  • You are limited to 3 retake sessions.
  • This is not as bad as it seems since I give hints if you get stuck, I won't lower your grade no mater how badly you do, and we try to keep things relaxed.
  • The questions I ask may be harder and more general than the exam one.
  • Students have said this is great practice for job interviews and should be required.
  • Each problem can take up to an hour to re-take.
  • Schedule a time with me - email is great.
  • It is fair to study for a question between the exam and re-take.

• On the final grade, I will use '+' but not '-'.