Dear Class,
I have graded all of your "This I
Believe" essays and offered you all individual feedback. Please click on
"My Grades" and see your score and feedback. As I move on to grade my
other class's essays, here is some general feedback
to keep in mind:
1) The average score for "This I
Believe" essays was a 23. I don't share this to make you feel either
brilliant, depressed, or "middle of the pack" but to demonstrate that
you are not "alone" if you haven't been receiving perfect
scores on your essays. I look at your essays in light of the assignment
guidelines and the rubrics, and notice "distractions" that get in the
way of a savory reading experience. I am so touched by your essays, and
strengthened by what you write. Giving you
a "23" does not mean I think your essay isn't good enough. It means
that there are things in your essay that still need attention, in my
opinion. (You can decide that my opinion is a bunch of bologna, of
course:)).
2) As you proofread your work, try
going through it looking for different "distractions" each time. For
example, you can comb your essay once for comma use, then for
singular/plural tense shifts, then for past/present tense
shifts, then for wordiness. Then you can read it again for transitions,
and for smooth wording. So much goes in to making writing great. I want
you to feel proud of your polished work.
3) Look for outside help if you feel
blind to your own grammar and punctuation errors. You may send your
essays to the Writing Center and tell tutors exactly what you want them
to look for. We're all blind to our own "motes"--getting
outside help is critical. While the Pathway Gatherings are incredibly
helpful to many of you, consider getting additional help as well.
4) Finally, after all of that--how are
you doing maintaining balance in your life? Is this class taking over
your life? If you are spending more than 12 hours on this class each
week, consider how to spend less time on the course.
What can you do? If you want to spend more time proofreading your work,
but you are spending three hours on the comma rules, or several hours
in discussion boards, can you rearrange your priorities?
I am here for you, I care for you, and I am praying for your success.
Love,
Sister Bowen
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