What does your grade mean?
In this age of grade inflation, it's often hard to figure out exactly what grades mean? A? C? D? What is the difference, really? If I hand in all of the assignments, do I deserve an A? And what about the many assignments that are graded subjectively, e.g., when I have to write up a report, or answer an essay exam question?
The nature of evaluation is inherently subjective, that is, it quality is in the eye of the beholder. On the other hand, we as professors with broad experience in academia and industry have a pretty solid understanding of what the professional standard of quality is. Indeed, it is our job to critically evaluate work and render our professional judgement as to its relative quality. Of course, we all strive for consistency in this process, some qualitative yardstick that we can apply uniformly in considering the quality of submitted work. The paragraphs below represent one engineer's efforts to lay out this yardstick.
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A = Substantial mastery of the subject matter: Mistakes in concept or application are rare. Ability to deal at the highest conceptual level in both the cognitive and affective realm of technical and non-technical fields. Ability to formulate, translate and express ideas in both technical and non-technical language and thought patterns. Self-motivated, self-critical, self-learning; leads others; seeks and accomplishes beyond expected requirements. |
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B= Moderate mastery of the subject matter: Mistakes in concept or application are not common. Ability to deal at a high conceptual level in both the cognitive and affective realm of technical and non-technical fields with at least modest competence. Ability to formulate and express ideas in technical languages and thought patterns, and to understand ideas expressed in non-technical language and thought patterns. When directed or encouraged by others, can criticize and evaluate own work, learn independently, direct group effort, extend and amplify assigned work. |
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C = Competent grasp of subject matter: Mistakes in concept or application are not serious or frequent enough to endanger life or property. Usually can be relied on to produce sound, competent work under supervision, and to express the results in technical language. Limited ability to deal with abstractions and evaluations of technical material or higher level non-technical ideas. Can accomplish assigned work but has difficulty in self-criticism, independent study, setting directions for others or self. Exhibits the minimum level of performance acceptable in professional practice. |
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D = Some grasp of subject matter: Mistakes in concepts or applications are serious or frequent enough to endanger life or property. Should work in the subject area only under close supervision. Cannot be relied upon to clearly and precisely express technical ideas or to comprehend collegiate level ideas from non-technical areas. Should not be allowed to graduate with any significant number of weaknesses of this magnitude, especially in the major discipline. |
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F = Inadequate grasp of the subject matter: Serious mistakes in concepts or applications. Sufficiently incompetent that an attempt to do engineering work or to use knowledge in the subject area would constitute a hazard to the public. Formulation and expression of ideas in any realm are below good collegiate standards and inadequate for effective communication. Should not be allowed to graduate in any discipline without remedying the deficiency. |