MARCO TEÓRICO

Multiple-choice examinations are used throughout James Madison’s program to measure students’ mastery of the program objectives. In most programs students will also need to complete assignments that require evaluation and feedback from the school’s instructional staff. Assignments are often graded using a rubric like the one shown below. This rubric provides guidance for students; it helps to clarify essential elements of the assignment that will be evaluated to determine a grade. The rubric is also an important tool for the

instructional team to insure that each student is evaluated consistently and that each student meets the primary objectives of the assignment. Assignments that have very specific right or wrong answers may employ an answer key instead of a grading rubric.

A grading rubric is a scoring tool used to help guide both the student and the teacher. It helps to define the quality of a student’s work from the category of excellent to poor and serves as a detailed and specific roadmap for students, which leads to improved student outcomes. Lastly, a grading rubric helps increase grading efficiency and consistency among teachers. If a rubric is used as a tool in your assignment, the rubric will be included with the assignment instructions.

Written assignments in English courses require students to submit an academic honesty statement, use the APA format when writing their paper and submit their paper through Grammarly before submitting it to JMHS. Points are given when these steps are followed.  

An example of a rubric is on the following page.

HSC4.2_150428 36 stand out and are supported by detailed information. The essay incorporates the information that was outlined in the worksheet.

Main idea is clear but the supporting information is general. The essay uses the majority of the information outlined on the worksheet.

Main idea is somewhat clear but there is a need for more

supporting information. Very little of the information from the worksheet in incorporated into the essay.

The main idea is not clear.

There is a seemingly random collection of information.

None of the information from the worksheet is evident in the essay.

All sources are cited but not in correct format, Grammarly report and academic integrity statement are submitted.

Sources are not cited, but Grammarly report and academic

The conclusion is strong and leaves the reader with a feeling that they understand what the writer is "getting at."

The conclusion is recognizable and ties up almost all the loose ends.

The conclusion is recognizable, but does not tie up several loose ends.

There is no clear conclusion, the paper just ends.

Grammar &

Spelling (Conventions)

Writer makes no errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.

Writer makes 1-2 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.

Writer makes 3-4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content.

Writer makes more than 4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. goes beyond the obvious or predictable.

Supporting details and information are relevant, but one key issue or portion of the storyline is unsupported.

Supporting details and information are relevant, but several key issues or portions of the storyline are unsupported.

Supporting details and information are typically unclear or not related to the topic.

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Top 5 Characteristics of an Effective Study Space

Just as there are certain study techniques that work better for your learning styles, there are also study environments that are more in sync with your learning style. Of course, there are general guidelines that apply to every style and that are certainly worth mentioning. No matter how hard you try, you can never learn while watching TV or talking on the phone. You may struggle through and grasp some level of learning, but you will be functioning at a level far below your potential.

1. Make It Comfortable

Your chair should be well padded and supportive (i.e., a high back office chair and a smooth top desk or an oversized library chair in your room). You do not want the kind of comfort you feel when you are lounging on the sofa or stretched out on your bed, but you do need to be free of discomfort. Also, make sure the temperature is balanced-- not too hot or too cold-- and that the air is fresh.

2. A Well-Lit Preferably Natural Light

Natural light, such as light from a window, is better than artificial light, but if you must use artificial light, remember that incandescent light, or soft white light, is better than fluorescent.

3. A Well-Stocked Area

Don’t waste time gathering all the study materials and other items you’ll need.

Instead, when you create your study area, make sure you stock it with items you will need, such as pens, pencils, paper, highlighters, books, calculators, staplers, and rulers.

4. An Enhanced Environment

It’s very important that your study place be somewhere you enjoy going. The most effective way to battle the problems of distraction, poor concentration, and low self-esteem is to improve your learning environment. Suggestions: plants, pictures, and colorful desk accessories.

5. An Area Full of Positive Messages

Create a positive emotional and mental environment. Surround yourself with things that carry positive messages. By themselves, they won’t do much, but they will be positive encouragements when your mind wanders and you become frustrated. Motivational posters, quotes, and reminders of your goals will serve as positive reinforcement of the value of what you are doing and how vast your potential is.

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