Class Attendance and grades

Everyday you come to class and actively participate you earn a fraction of the 20% of YOUR GRADE.

That is the percent og the grade attributed to class participation. By missing class, you lose points that would otherwise help your grade.

Your going to class may be a personal choice.

Three reasons are academic, real world and personal why a choice not to attend class hurts your performance.

These are also motives for getting to class on time.

Academically I judge how well you explain the readings when speaking and writing. You will do much worse by missing classes because you will have less time to practice explaining critical ideas. Usually those who regularly pay attention to what is said and discussed in the classroom or in the field excel.

I, like many other professors, want the classroom to become an engaging arena where you are a necessary player. Books and articles are frequently either wrong or difficult to interpret. You become better informed by class attendance. You get a head start by attending class regularly.

Class discussions will often direct you to a clearer, deeper, or more reasoned understanding of the readings.When participants discuss significant concepts in class, you should record these ideas to work into your papers and projects.

Important real world reasons for diligence and attendance are practice and accuracy. You will be expected to be punctual and give accurate accounts of what you know when you seek out a job, professional school training or other career opportunities. Make every class a chance to practice "real world" skills without the financial penalties you may find at work or in any responsible profession.

Finally, personal difficulties will arise for you or anyone during the term. These personal matters may cause you to miss the course meetings.

So an erratic attendance record is only made worse if unexpected personal problems arise during the term. Remember points are not awarded for missing class regardless of the reason.

You earn points by showing that you have read the assignments and by keenly participating in class activities!

Please send your questions, suggestions, or comments to me,

Joseph V. Siry at Rollins College

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This page was Last Updated on 25 February 2004.

Grade Scale