[Mars]

This is my Sociology professors grading system for my exam

This exam will be scored using the method of straight letter grade values (A=4.0.) that I have effected by converting the original point grading system outlined in the Syllabus. It will be valued as follows: Option A (Essay: 40 points=TWO LETTER GRADES). Option B (Short answers: 60 points=THREE LETTER GRADES) and/or Option C: Fill in questions and modified true-false questions: 60 points=THREE LETTER GRADES).

The grade conversion up till now has been determined by the following schedual: four (4) homework assignments each worth one (1)) letter grade, one exam worth (4) letter grades, and one research paper worth four (4) letter grades.

FOR EXAMPLE: A student receives the following grades: HW 1=B; 3.0, HW 2=A; 4.0, EXAM 1=B+; 3.5x4=14.0; HW 3=A;4.0; Research paper B=3.0x4=12 HW 4=A;4.0. Total 41/12=Average 3.4 /B+

So should I just ignore Option A? Why is there a point system, and does it all seem totally out of whack just because it's 0152 here?

[captain-custard]

 i really cant explain or advise you on what to do in these circumstances.

 But one thing is clear your proffesor is not getting laid.. and has far to much frustrated free time!!!!

[DragonClaw]

That grading scheme is unnecessarily convoluted. Seems to me like you'd WANT to choose option A, unless you need the extra 'point value' for a better grade in the class.

To me it looks like his formula is this(in pseudocode):

Code: [Select]

sum = 0;
totalvalue = 0;
for (i = 0; i<assignments.length;i++) {
   sum += assignments[i].value * assignments[i].grade;
   totalvalue += assignments[i].value;
}
finalgrade = sum/totalvalue;

[Colonol Dekker]

So less points equal a higher grade? That's some weird shizzle.

[DragonClaw]

No, it's just you have the possibility of raising your grade by a greater amount(unless you're already at 4.0) if you choose an option with a higher point value. You're just less likely to screw up your current grade choosing the exam option that's easier and has less point value. Basically, less points equals your final grade is impacted by the exam less.


Say you had a final grade of 18/7 without the exam. That's a C. If you got an A on the exam with option A you'd have a final grade of (18+2*4)/(7+2) = 26/9  which is still a C. If you chose option B or C and got an A, you'd have a final grade of (18+3*4)/(7+3) = 30/10 = B. So it would be to your advantage to try option B and C.

Likewise it can work in the opposite direction as well. If you had a final grade of 22/7 without the exam which is a B, and took option A and got a C on it, your final grade would be (23+2*2)/(7+2) = 27/9 which is still a B. If you got a C on the exam with option B or C though, your final grade would be (23+3*2)/(7+3) = 29/10 which is a C. It would be your advantage to take exam A in this case since you're less likely to lose your B in the class.

[Spicious]

The whole using "letter grades" as a basis unit is horrible. Are the options you choose meant to add up to the original 4 grades planned for the exam? Why is there an and/or for options? Are you allowed to pick all options and have the exam worth half the total course mark (assuming of course you could actually complete all those options in the exam)? The example doesn't seem to illustrate the new options at all.

[redsniper]

Geez, just go with short answer. If it were me, I know I'd go to great lengths to avoid taking an essay test.

[Mongoose]

I think you should get the A just for being able to understand that.  Sheesh.

[Colonol Dekker]

Yeah. . . Freakin crazy grades.