Grading written assignments for content vs. spelling/grammar
Sometimes I have students write a paragraph about an experience or a summary of an article. These aren't worth many points and some instructors, in a rush, may not even read them completely. I find that some are so completely incomprehensible that I cannot even decipher the content. Am I getting TOO distracted by the poor spelling and grammar? Should I send these papers back for proofreading? Or would that be insulting to the student? Is it unfair to not give credit to poorly-written work? It is hard for me to visualize a student in a professional setting who cannot write. Help me be more understanding....
Larisa,
I think a balance has to be struck between content & the grammar/writing. If you are a content course & the student masters the content, I would allow them to pass, however I would have their grade reflect the poor writing/grammar.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I have always been taught that "every class is an English class". It is EXTREMELY difficult for me to accept that the majority of my students cannot construct a simple sentence, yet it is perfectly fine to trust them with sharp objects. KIM
I tell my students to give me their papers before they are due and I help them set them up. I find that it is important to teach them how to set up a paper, how to properly write one, etc. and not just give them an F when they turn one in that I cannot read because it is so bad. But, if they do not take the opportunity to let me help, they will get that F.
In my professional communications classe, spelling and grammar counts as 10% of a grade-just enough to make them aware of their shortcomings but not enough to make them feel their thoughts are inadequate. Most of my students are surprised that I actually read their papers and show interest in what they put out.
Kim,
this is a good point & one I've often heard as well. I would agree that we should all be grading for spelling/grammar. The one caution I would give is if we fail a student who has the content nailed, but is struggling with English?
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I am having the same problem. Our students are required to take two english classes as part of their curriculum. They all complain about it yet consistently turn in papers full of grammer and spelling errors. I am having a difficult time trying to get the point across just how importand spelling can be. Especially in a medical setting where mispelling a word can have an entirely different meaning (ex. ilium vs. ileum).
I think that one of the biggest obstacles is when a department or program doesn't have all of the instructors on the same page. If there are instructors who don't take the time to grade or remove points for spelling and grammar, then the instructors that do end up looking "picky" instead of the norm. The fact that students complain about getting their work actually read and graded is really frustrating. But if every instructor did it, it would be the norm, and they might not think its something even worth complaining about because it's just standard throughout their courses.
Larisa,
this is sadly too true. We do need to make sure that all members of the department are in agreement regarding these important issues.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
This is something I have been dealing with as an instructor. I have been relaxed on my grading of spelling and grammar. The papers I am getting are shocking. It was very surprising to me how bad it can be. After reading this I have decided to make spelling and grammar 10% of every written paper. I may not be an English major but I can give some instruction on proper sentences and paragraphs.
Carol,
exactly right & we need to emphasize the importance of readability in the various chosen careers of the students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
That's great! It's not so much that it would kill their grade, but just having the 10% on there will make them realize that its important enough and that they really should proofread and that it matters for their professional future.
Larisa,
yes, I agree that this is a good strategy. Like you said, it won't kill the grade, but it will definitely get their attention.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
We are trying to teach these students not just the specifics of their field of study, but professionalism as well. It is important that all professionals (no matter the field) be able to communicate clearly and concisely. The students need to at least be made aware of how their poor grammar affects their ability to properly communicate both in the written form and orally. I cringe at the thought of some of my beginning students going out for job interviews. You may have a student who has truly mastered all the course content but if he cannot hold a coherent conversation or speak legibly, he will have a difficult time being successful in the workplace.
sean,
this is so true & you are right that we owe it to our students to help them become those true professionals.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
sean,
this is so true & you are right that we owe it to our students to help them become those true professionals.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
This is definitely an issue I deal with as an instructor on a regular basis. In almost all of my classes, I assign Case Studies. I give the students a rubric detailing the number of points awarded for proper grammer, punctuation, and spelling. I remind them about the spelling and grammer checker in MS WORD and show them how to use it. I am often very surprised to see a horrid lack of proper spelling and punctuation. It's hard for me too, Larisa, to visualize a student in a professional setting who cannot write. Then I start thinking about all the English speaking people who can't speak English! Sometimes I actually wonder if my scope of teaching is too broad . . . you can get lost in this maze. Any suggestions or comments? Thanks!
Shelia,
my only comment/suggestion is a simple one & that is hold to your standard. While I wouldn't fail a student in a non-English class if they mastered the other content, their grade would be impacted.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think it needs to count for a portion of the grade. My students will be writing in medical records which not only serve to communicate information to others, but are legal documents. Accuracy and a basic understanding of spelling/grammar are a must.
I agree. I work in an institution that tells us we don't have to read the homework, just check to make sure it is done because it is for their learning not ours!
