Grading Algorithm:

For the EvaluaTion assignment, I need your grades by midnight (12:00 am) on Monday, April 3. Please post them to the wiki on the Spring 06 Evaluation Gradings page.

Grading process:

Each member of the class must grade two papers other than (or in addition to) their own. This is an assignment, and as such, your grades will themselves be graded and incorporated into your final course grade. To ensure that every paper receives more than one grade, grade the two papers which are immediately below your blog in Spring 06 Blogs (eg. MannequinWoman will grade both indianstew and PennStater's papers).

The final grade should be supported by an evaluatory paragraph, giving solid and compelling reasons for your decision (identify at least three areas of strength/weakness). Think about it as a causal relation: what about the paper caused you to give it the grade you did? Post the grade to Spring 06 Evaluation Gradings and include a link to your own blog page.

Here's the recipe for grading:

(1) Set aside at least an hour. You may not need it, but it will be good to have the time.

(2)(optional)Browse through the gradings done by the first Wikidelic class. These were mostly juniors and seniors, but you are just as smart and I taught you all the same stuff. I only graded down one of the grades, and that was this one. Jay had failed to point out missing counter arguments, and also didn't really follow his own conclusion: he points out several serious shortcomings in the paper (such as the need to motivate the reader), yet gives it an "A" anyway. An "A-" might have been plausible, but not an A. An "A" paper must be devoid of any serious shortcomings, and convince you of its excellence so much you find yourself typing "A". (see number 6)

(3) Read through and browse the project carefully. Now read it again. If you spot spelling, stylistic or grammatical errors, fix them. This way you have not only judged the project but also improved it. If there are places that you feel ought to respond to counter-arguments not entertained by the writer, make links and name and/or include them.

(4) Ask yourself the following questions: Do I want to read it again? Do I want to actualize any of the goals of the paper? Have I come away from the project with a fresh perspective on the topic?

(5) How well does the paper use the tools of argument for its case? Are there places where the argument could have been strengthened?

(6) What grade does the project persuade you to give it? Why? How? Think of this as a short causal argument: This paper caused me to give it a "B" because....

Spring06GradingLogicQuestions