Class Participation

Class Participation: Many instructors give credit, or points, for class participation. However, how do you define class participation? If a student files a grade appeal and received 20 out of 30 points for class participation, would you be able to explain how you came up with that grade? Unless you have a specific rubric, or keep detailed notes of each student's class participation for each week, it would be difficult to argue this point. I would, therefore, suggest that you clearly define what you expect in terms of class participation and what students have to do to get the maximum number of points.

Think about why you want to give class participation points. If it is to encourage class attendance, then be specific what counts as attendance—a whole class/ a half class? What about the student who leaves early?
If a student attends class but never speaks up, how would you count that as class participation?