On multiple weightings and participation credit--as well as attempts to quell grade anxiety..

[Subbarao Kambhampati <rao@asu.edu>]

Here are public answers to some questions I was asked..

1. Multiple weightings

Here are the weighting schemes I am thinking of using--whichever scheme 
gives you higher cumulative will be the scheme you will have.

Standard scheme:

participation: 15
Homeworks: 20
Projects: 35
Exams: 30

Alternative 1:[Project-heavy]

Participation: 10
Homeworks: 20
Projects:  45
Exams: 25

Alternative 2:[Exam-heavy]

Participation: 10
Homeworks: 20
Projects: 30
Exams: 40


I am assuming that these three should pretty much cover everyone's needs. 
If someone can think of other possibilities that will really show their 
competence in this class better, feel free to suggest.

2. How is participation credit computed.

Particpation credit will have three components:

Component 1: Attendance
 This is number of classes attended
Component 2: Particpation in the classs
 This will measure such things as (a) were you awake (b) were you alert 
(c) did you seem to follow
 the lecture or were busy googling on your laptop (d) did you ask 
questions, offer comments etc.

In trying to reconcile Component 1 and Component 2, I plan to use Woody 
Allen's advice in Love and Death
 "As for [...] quality counts more than frequency. Although if frequency 
starts falling below twice a week,
      I would definitely worry"

Component 3: Number of snide remarks made on Rao's poetry skills
This one is simple-- any snide remarks made will translate to about -20 
points (and is mostly intended to teach Mr. Chung a lesson--no rhyming he 
says. the pure gall.. but I digress).


3. Quelling grade anxiety.. (Read only if you are actually worried about 
your grade etc.)

(a) no need to panic ( http://www.xs4all.nl/~keizee/images/Dont_panic.gif )
(b) I am not going to use pre-determined thresholds (so your getting less 
than 70% cumulative doesnt necessarily doom you to a C). I am quite aware 
that the course may be viewed, in some circles, as sort of may be 
demanding--and I will try to fold that perception into account.
(c) To the extent possible, I will try not to give Ds to people who 
attempted everything (I am willing to make the assumption that the Ds 
already dropped out of the class).
(d) You can check out 
http://rakaposhi.eas.asu.edu/s01-cse494-mailarchive/msg00155.html for grade 
distribution from last offering to get a general idea.

Rao