Grading Details
There are two grading schemes that we will keep in play. The first one is the one we started with, the second is a simpler one that will result in better scores for most people. We will use whichever gives you the best score.
Learning Modules and Outcomes – Scheme 1
This is the “original” version.
- There are 20 learning modules in the course, each themed around a specific course topic.
- Each learning module has 10 points that we distribute among one or more outcomes.
- Each outcome has one or more assessments that will “fulfill” it if completed.
- To fulfill a learning module you must complete enough outcomes to have 10 points in the learning module.
- Most learning modules will have exactly 10 points, but it is possible for there to be more than 10. In those cases, you still only need to get 10 points.
- You cannot partially complete a learning module.
Learning Modules and Outcomes – Scheme 2
This is the simplified version.
- The 20 learning modules are organizational only, and do not factor into the grade.
- Each learning module has 10 points that we distribute among one or more outcomes.
- Each outcome has one or more assessments that will “fulfill” it if completed.
- You will get the points for each outcome you fulfill, up to 10 points in the learning module.
- Your grade will be determined by what percentage of outcome points you achieve, using a standard 10 point scale.
Example
Suppose there are four LMs.
- LM 1 you got 7 points.
- LM 2 you got 10 points.
- LM 3 you got 4 points.
- LM 3 you got 9 points.
Grading examples
- Scheme 1
- You got 2 LMs.
- Scheme 2
- You get 30/40 points.
In this case, we would apply scheme 2 to determine your grade.
Assessments
There are four kinds of assessments you will see.
- Machine problems (MPs)
- These are long programming assignments. The threshold for passing them is 95%.
- Before the MP is due you can get full credit on it.
- There is a one-week extension period in which you can only get 95%. Thus, you must fully complete the MP for it to count.
- Exam Questions
- Most exam questions involve coding or some kind of mathematical manipulation (like lambda calculus reductions).
- The threshold for passing an exam question is 100%, except for proof trees. These are passing at 95%.
- If you don’t get an exam question right, you will have another attempt on the following midterm (if there is one).
- You will also get an attempt on the final exam.
- An exam question usually will affect only a single outcome. If you miss an exam question you only need to focus on the outcomes you missed, not the whole learning module.
- Activity Questions
- Activities are primarily designed for you to practice the assessments you will see on an exam.
- An activity may contribute to some of the outcomes of a learning module, but not always.
- We use the score for the whole activity, not the individual questions within it.
- In-Class POGIL Activities
- These are graded based on participation. Signing into a POGIL group on PrairieLearn during the class period (for live section) or during the next five days (for asynchronous students) will be called “attendance”.
- In order to get an A in the class, you must attend (or be excused from) 80% of the group activities.