USE CASE - Participation Grade

Use Case Name: Participation Assignment

Situation:

An instructor needs to assess participation in an online course. This participation grade is worth 10% of the grade. The following assessments are already included in the course.

• Chapter Quizzes
• Discussion questions
• 3 short essay assignments

The class is scheduled to meet twice a week synchronously online for 2 hours for a total of 4 hours a week of face time,  this is required.

Background

Some students are unable to attend the meetings online because of schedules or technical difficulties. The instructor needs an alternate way to evaluate and grade their participation in the course.

Solution A 

Record the sessions,  and post the link on a page in a Canvas module created for posted recordings. Students who do not attend must write a summary of the topic discussed and turn it in as an assignment. They receive full credit for attending or writing the summary. 

Solution B

Students only receive credit if they attend synchronous sessions but they are allowed 3 chances to miss with advanced notification in writing.

Solution C

Only certain sessions require attendance by the whole class. The remaining sessions are only required for specific groups. For example: 

• Introductory Session: Entire Class
• Session 2: Groups A and B
• Session 3: Groups C and D
• Session 4: Groups E and F
• Midterm Session: Entire Class

Setting up the Grade Book

There are two ways to set up the assignment and track points: Additive and Subtractive. 

Note: Instructor often track attendance outside of Canvas and post points at the end of the semester.