Students are responsible to understand the following policies. They apply to all classes I teach.
Purpose
I encourage you to always think about the reasons for the assignments you complete and the activities we do in class. Do not just do the work because you have to, but get more out of it by understanding how it is practical and meaningful. Whenever you are unsure about reasons for anything, I encourage you to bring up your questions by talking to me in person or through email.
Respect
I believe the best learning occurs in an environment when everyone respects each other. This goes both ways between students and teacher as well as among students. It is important to listen, consider, and learn from others’ perspectives. Language ability and ideas will thrive when we sense that our ideas and opinions are valued. It is exciting to communicate through writing and speaking when we share real ideas and realize that others care about what we share.
Communication
Personal communication with any teacher is a valuable experience. Not only can it help with specific questions, but it shows your interest and care for learning. Your questions and comments are important! There are many ways to reach me, and I will do my best to listen, and help you out. You can talk with me before or after class, e-mail me, or find me during office hours. Feel free to come in alone or in small groups of two or three.
Attendance
Ideally, an attendance policy should not be necessary. In most cases, missing classes reduces students’ grade simply because they miss out on important information, miss assignments, or quizzes. I take attendance mostly to help me understand students better and to help me understand why certain students may be doing poorly or well.
In my classes, I place a high value on participation which includes speaking up in class, exchanging ideas with classmates, and actively listening to lectures. When students are not in class, for whatever reason, they miss these opportunities.
Conversation and reading classes require especially high levels of participation. For this reason, I pay more attention to attendance in these classes. I reserve the right to lower students’ grades for missing these classes according to these guidelines. If you miss class because of a family situation or medical condition, I like to know about this, but missing class for any reason still counts as an absence. There is no penalty for missing two classes each semester.
Sleeping or obvious non-participation in class is just as bad, or even worse, than being absent. If you are so tired that you cannot stay awake in class, I prefer that you leave and get the rest you need. To be honest, I find such behavior offensive!
Late Papers
Papers are due at the beginning of class. Please put them on my desk when you come in. Papers handed in after this are considered late. I’ll grade your paper just like any other paper, but count off points for being late. This is how late papers are penalized:
- Late, but handed in within one or two days: -5
- Handed in at the next class (1 week late): -10
- Two weeks late: -20
- Three weeks late: -30
- four weeks late: -40
- Five weeks late or later: -50
Quizzes
In some classes I give frequent short quizzes at the beginning of class. There are no make-up quizzes, but your lowest grade of the semester will be thrown out. Quizzes will not be announced. In general, quizzes cover assigned reading for that class and ideas from the previous class.
Homework
You should always complete homework before coming to class. It is not to be done at the beginning of class or in the two minutes before the bell rings. Whether the homework is reading, research writing, or general preparation, doing the work before class helps you and everyone else make better use of class time. When I notice students doing this, it can affect your grade.
Improve your own image in the teacher’s eyes by always doing homework neatly and carefully. Sloppy or rushed homework simply makes you look bad.
You are always responsible to know what is due and when. Ask questions if you ever have any doubt. Check your class website often for updates.
Participation
Be active in class by listening carefully, raising relevant questions, and participating meaningfully in group work. Force yourself to use English even when it is easier to speak Chinese. At times, a few words in Chinese may be necessary, but these should be very limited. The language of communication in the classroom is always English.
Some people love group work, others don’t, but either way it is important to participate actively in class with your classmates. If you have trouble with this, please talk with me.
Materials
Always bring relevant textbooks and writing materials to class.
Make sure you have a good system to take notes and organize class materials. Learn to organize your information. It makes a huge difference in college success and in life!