Grading Criteria For Written Assignments

This page explains the criteria I use when grading written assignments. Perhaps I should say "we use", because it helps to think of a grading team including a high school English teacher. "Teach" gets very upset about mistakes in writing, especially mistakes in spelling and punctuation. "Teach" has not taken this course, or any other business course, and so needs you to explain important concepts. On the other hand, "Teach" has a Masters degree from a good university, and so does not need you to over-explain anything.

So, here are my (or our) main grading criteria.

• Relevance. Did you address the specific requirements of this assignment? For example, if the assignment is based on a particular topic (concept, model, etc.), did you address that topic? Often an assignment will offer a choice of topics, and it is up to you to choose, and to be clear about the chosen topic(s).
• Clarity. Is your writing clear? In order to be clear, it needs to be correct. Your readers should not have to stumble through typos and other errors, or puzzle over your wording.
• Examples. Did you illustrate your points with examples? Examples may be from your own experience, or from research, reading, etc.
• Linking topics and examples. Is it clear how your examples illustrate your topics?
• Engagement. Did you write in such a way as to engage your readers? For example, after reading your introduction, would "Teach" want to read on?
• Introduction: your first paragraph or two (or more, for a long paper--but I don't usually assign long papers) is particularly important. To refer back to some of the above criteria, a good introduction makes your topic clear to your readers, and engages them sufficiently that they are happy to read on.

Here are a few other things relevant to written assignments.

• Citations and references. You should provide citations and references for sources other than assigned course material and your own experience. If, for example, you use a current issue as an example, you should cite your sources, and provide a reference for each source. I don't mind which of the many available formats you use for citations and references, as long as you are consistent. (For example, you might use the same format as the textbook.)
• Length. I usually set a guideline, rather than an upper or lower limit, for papers. Please don't worry if your paper is close to the guideline, but does not meet it exactly.
• Format. Do not double-space: I don't think that many organizations specify double-spacing, and I don't see any good reason for me to do so. Do not resort to extreme point sizes, margins, etc. The default format for Word documents is fine.
• Medium. I will usually request that you submit assignments on Canvas, rather than in hardcopy.

I hope that this helps. Please let me know (via email or in person) if you have further questions.

Sincerely, and looking forward to reading your assignments,

Prof Andrew