My approach to determining your final grade derives from a practice called “labor-based grading,” which is used by many professors across the country, though this may be the first time you’ve encountered it. This form of grading allows you to choose the grade you want to pursue and then earn it based on the amount of work you submit. The work you complete has to meet the agreed upon criteria for each assignment to receive credit, but as long as you satisfy this requirement, you can choose the grade you want to try to earn.
I will provide you with detailed assessment criteria so you understand what it takes to meet expectations for each assignment/activity listed below.
a
A few notes on the grading system: The attendance policy applies to each of the following options. That is, regardless of which grade you are trying to pursue, your grade will drop by 1/3 (A to A-, A- to B+, etc.) for each additional absence after your two excused absences. If you have an emergency or serious illness that will affect your attendance beyond your control, please let me know and we can work out an alternative policy.
Engaged participation also applies to each of the following options. If I notice you are not meeting expectations for participation (outlined on the “About” page) I will let you know and we can discuss what you can do to be a better class citizen. If you do not meet expectations for participation on more than 2 occasions after our discussion, your grade will drop by 1/3 for each additional time (similar to the absence policy).
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To earn some form of A, you must complete all of the following by their due dates:
- 5 of 5 Learning Experiments
- 2 of 2 Peer Writing Group Workshops
- Midterm Portfolio
- Mini Documentary Project
- Final Portfolio
- Revised “Learning Scene” Narrative [this is now optional and for extra credit; it is not required for the “A”]
To earn some form of B, you must complete all of the following by their due dates:
- 4 of 5 Learning Experiments
- 2 of 2 Peer Writing Group Workshops
- Midterm Portfolio
- Mini Documentary Project [this is no longer required for the “B”]
- Final Portfolio
To earn some form of C, you must complete all of the following by their due dates:
- 3 of 5 Learning Experiments
- 1 of 2 Peer Writing Group Workshops
- Midterm Portfolio
- Final Portfolio
These requirements are meant to make clear what’s required for each holistic grade. Rather than getting a letter grade for each major project, you will get detailed feedback from me (in addition to a substantial amount of feedback from peers before the assignment is due). At the end of my feedback letter, I will indicate whether the project “Meets expectations” or “Does not yet meet expectations.” To “Meet expectations,” your project must satisfy the outlined criteria for the project.
a
Revisions: If something you complete does not yet meet expectations, you can choose to revise it one more time to attempt to “Meet Expectations” (and thus still receive credit). Or you can choose to simply not get credit for something (which will result in a lower grade). Note: revising your project does not necessarily guarantee your draft will “Meet Expectations.”
a
Token: I realize that sometimes life gets in the way, so I have built a second chance into this evaluation system in the form of a “token.” Each student gets 1 token at the start of the class which they can decide to use for any of the following purposes during the semester:
—To erase one absence [if you go over the 2 absence limit]
—To receive an extension of 48 hours on either 1 learning experiment or the midterm portfolio.
If you want to use your token please email me by the scheduled deadline for the assignment to let me know.
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Absences: If you are absent on the day of a peer writing group workshop, you can still receive credit if you participate by providing your group feedback via email within 24 hours. Please make sure to include Professor Ceraso in the email to ensure you receive credit.
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Additional Notes: There is no shame in choosing to pursue, or eventually earning, a B or C. UVA students tend to be very busy, and it’s hard to make an A in every course. Keep in mind that while you may seek an A early in the semester, you can change your mind later on, and I have no problem with anyone deciding to pursue a lower grade. (It is also possible to end up with a lower grade because of absences or submitting late assignments.)
A grade of D or F will be given if you are unable to meet the “C-level” requirements listed above. Either grade is insufficient for meeting the First Writing Requirement (FWR), which means you’d have to take an FWR course again next semester.
I will on occasion raise a student’s final grade with a “plus” (A to A+, B to B+, C to C+) if they repeatedly exceed expectations in the outlined criteria for assignments, workshops, and participation.
If you have questions about anything regarding labor-based grading or our assessment criteria, please feel free to set up a meeting with me at any point in the semester. I’m always happy to talk with you about your work.
Experiments in Learning 