Participation

An excellent student satisfies all of the following criteria. Do you:

• Preparation
  • read the assignments fully with attention to detail?
  • note relevant questions, insights, and connections? (For example, you might forward a news story to the class with a question for discussion.)
• Participation
  • punctually attend most all classes with no more than two unexcused absences? Excused absences are documented athletic, religious, disability, and “Wellness Day” (via Student Hub) accommodations made known to the instructor beforehand.
  • make at least one excellent contribution (e.g., question, insight, or connection) to each class without monopolizing discussion? (See Balance in Discussion.)
  • refer to other students by name and react to their contributions?
  • give active nonverbal and verbal feedback?
  • avoid distractions by digital devices?
  • fully engage in group exercises?
  • follow up on open questions and share your findings with the class?

Participation is one of the most subjective activities to assess. Hence, you should ask yourself: Am I consistently making a positive contribution and impression on the instructor and other students? I do consider if your peers recognize you as an (a) insightful contributor or (b) someone that seems unprepared or monopolizing in discussions.

I make my assessments based on mid-semester and final evaluation forms.