First Grading - Day 5

Picture Credit: Vanderbilt University

Date: August 29, 2022 2 hours Total Hours: 16

As part of my responsibilities for the semester, I was given the task of grading assignments for both SMG 375 and SMG 370 courses. It provided me with an opportunity to gain practical experience and see the students' work. The first assignment I encountered was the SMG Survey, a consistent task for both courses. It's simplicity allowed me to ease into the grading process, while also offering valuable insights into the students' level of engagement and commitment.

The assignment itself was straightforward, requiring students to complete the survey and earn an easy 50 points. It was meant to serve as a foundation for their participation in the course. However, it also served as a small eye-opener for me, as I realized that not every student shared the same level of enthusiasm or concern for their grades as I did when I was in their position not long ago.

Interestingly, the students in SMG 375 displayed a higher level of initiative compared to those in SMG 370 when it came to completing this assignment. All the students in SMG 375 successfully submitted the survey, demonstrating their commitment to the course. On the other hand, a handful of students in the SMG 370 class did not complete the survey, which gave me a sense of unease regarding their dedication to future assignments and the course as a whole.

This initial experience of grading assignments allowed me to gain valuable insights into the diversity of student attitudes and work ethics. It also highlighted the importance of adaptability and finding effective ways to engage and motivate students throughout the semester.