Distance Learning Support Site F

In the February, 1996 issue of The Teaching Professor an article written by Paul Solomon and Annette Nell of San Joes State University laid out some guidelines on the various behavioral dimension of grades for college students. This article is very beneficial in communicating the differences in the efforts and results of “A” students versus “C” students.

Dimension	“A” (Outstanding Student)	“C” (Average Student)
Ability (Talent)	Has a special aptitude and/or motivation. This talent also includes creativity and/or organization skills.	Aptitude varies greatly. Typically limited in motivation and/or organizational skills.
Attendance (Commitment)	Never misses a class session or arrives late. Considers the class a high priority.	Periodically misses class sessions or is late. Other life activities do not allow the class as a priority.
Attitude (Dedication)	Shows initiative. Has a desire to excel and often does more than is required.	Seldom shows initiative. Never does more than required and sometimes does less.
Communication Skills	Speaks confidently and clearly. Their written communication is well-organized, covers all relevant points and is easy to read.	Does not speak well. Their written work is not organized, contains numerous errors and is often unclear.
Curiosity	Shows interest in class sessions as evidenced by their participation and questions.	Shows little interest in the subject matter and acts bored and indifferent. Asks few if any questions.
Performance	Obtains the highest score in the course. Has good test taking skills, asks thoughtful questions and provides meaningful responses	Obtains average or inconsistent scores in the course. Does not say much in class and responses show little understanding of the material.
Preparation	Always prepared for class. Assignments are done on time and completely. Always responds when called on.	Not always prepared for class. May not have fully completed the assignment or turned it in late.
Retention	Learns concepts rather than memorizing details. They are better able to connect past learning with present material.	Memorizes details rather than learn concepts. Tends to “cram” for tests. Retains little after the course is over.
Time Commitment (Effort)	Prepares for each class session. Averages 3 - 4 hours of study for every hour in class.	Does little preparation for class. Averages no more than 2 hours of study for every hour in class.