Regarding an optional final: I have a "B," which I can settle with. Or, I can take the final - if I score 100% I get an "A" but if I score less than 54% I get a "C." I'm thinking about asking him to count my final double, so a 96% will get me an "A" (and 70% for "C"). Copied below is the correspondence so far, with my latest reply saved as a draft (not sent!).
I don't have all the details about the final exam, but it's scheduled for Tuesday (May 9th) 8:30-11:30am.
I have two exams the day before and one the day after.
If I study hard and get lucky, or if God wills it, I can score above 95%. My test scores so far have been in the 80-89 range in that class.
Any thoughts?
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(To Dr. Ken Gustafson)
Ah, darn... I was tempted not to ask; that's the grade I earned so far, though!
Hmm... so by my calculations I need a 104% on the final exam to get an "A."
What do you think about giving me some positive incentive to take the final exam? Perhaps something a little less difficult than 100% for an "A?" If my exam were worth double, a 95% on the test would give me an 89.9 in the course.
-Nick
----- Original Message -----From: "Kenneth J. Gustafson" <Kenneth.Gustafson@case.edu>Date: Saturday, April 29, 2006 3:41 pm
Subject: Re: EBME 327> Nick,> >
I'm sorry about that; I made a typo. 86.5 is a B.
If you don't > take the > final, you'll have a B.>
> I apologize for the confusion, I must have added up too many > numbers today....>
> Ken> >
> At 02:14 PM 4/29/2006, you wrote:> >
>Dr. Gustafson,> >>
> Can you double-check my grade? Your email confuses me, > because it> >says that >90 yields and "A," but it also says that I have an > 86.5 and> >an "A."
Perhaps I don't understand how your curve applies.> >>
> So... do I have an "A" right now? What will my grade be if I > don't>take the final?> >> >Thanks,> >
> >Nick> >> >
----- Original Message -----> >From: "Kenneth J. Gustafson" <Kenneth.Gustafson@case.edu>> >Date: Saturday, April 29, 2006 1:25 pm>
>Subject: EBME 327> > >
Your current grade (curved up) is 86.5 = A> >
> Grades are based on a straight scale: >90=A, <90>80, etc.> > >
> > > The final exam is worth 20% of your grade, therefore you will need> > > to score> > > 100% on the final exam to obtain an A in the course, and 54% to> > > obtain a B.> > >>
> > You may choose to accept your current grade and not take the> > > final, or take> > > the final.> > >>
> > You must let me know your decision by 5 pm Wed. May 3.
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posted by Nick @ 4:44 PM
1 comments
1 Comments:
Theoretically speaking, a Final is indicative of your comprehension, retention, and understanding of the information from the course. So, I can understand the final-as-double concept.
Still, it's risky. But then, nothing worth having is ever gained without risk and without pain. The greater the risk, the greater the chance for glory. So, I would say, consider if you think the risk is worth the prize.
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