Criteria for Assignments and Evaluation
Paul Mohan Raj

A Good Question or Assignment has the Following:

1. Content, Theories, Concepts etc.
2. Context, a specific area, people or region
3. Scope for more than one perspective
4. Critical Thinking
5. Analysis
6. Multiple Sources like Sociology, Economics, Health etc.
7. Issues Based in Reality not Hypothetical
8. Integration and Application

Criteria for Evaluation

• The correct understanding of concepts and issues
• Willingness to examine a given topic or issue from varying perspectives
• Exercise of methodology/ies that enable/s best possible research
• Ability to critically analyze the content or issues from a holistic perspective
• Apply the research findings to the betterment of society
• Present a coherent and logical document

• The first criterion is to see if the learner has understood the text/content of the lesson. Is the learner’s comprehension of the subject matter accurate? At this level, the ability of the learner to grasp the main features of the lesson entitles him/her to 1 to 20% of the marks.
• The second criterion is to see if the learner has been able to present the required answer in his/her own words that ensures not only comprehension but also assimilation and internalization. This would entitle the learner to acquire from 1 to 20% of the marks.
• The third criterion would be to find if the learner has effectively used the resources in the library and information from relevant research projects. Has the learner merely reproduced class notes/lectures or has the learner made efforts to find additional sources of information from books, journals, CDs, Internet etc. The learner needs to show the ability to gather related information on the subject using standard research methodology in addition to class lectures and notes given by the teacher. The learner gains from 1 to 20% of the marks if she/he meets this criterion.

• The fourth criterion would be to ascertain the ability of the learner to analyze, segregate relevant information, show critical scholarship with ability to discern different perspectives and appropriate essential material to enhance the validity and objectivity of the assignment. This would entitle the learner for 1 to 20% of the marks.
• The fifth criterion would be to see if the learner has the ability to integrate information from different sources, successfully deal with relevant issues, identify critical issues and apply the important aspects of the subject matter to real life situations in the society. The learner needs to show evidences of not only a gain in knowledge but also attitudinal changes and the ability to use relevant skills. This will enhance the learner’s grade by 1 to 20%.

Summary:

• Comprehension of theories, concepts, issues --- 1 to 20%
• Assimilation, Internalization, own words --- 1 to 20%
• Beyond class notes, different sources, RM --- 1 to 20%
• Analysis, Critical Thinking, Perspectives --- 1 to 20%
• Integration, Application --- 1 to 20%

Assignment Grade

• First Class: A-; A; A+

If a learner meets all the five criteria in an outstanding manner and has a good language and answer format using standard research methodological tools, he/she would get A- grade or above. However, in a normal class of twenty there may not be more than two such learners.
• Second Class: B-; B; B+

If a learner has attempted all the five areas but weak in one or two areas, he/she can hope to get B- to B+ grade. However, in a normal class of twenty there may not be more than 10 such learners.
• Third Class: C-; C; C+

If the learner has utilized only three of the criteria, including the first, then he/she deserves to get only a C- to C+ grade. However, in a normal class of twenty there may be 6 such learners.
• Fail Class: F

If the learner fulfills only the first two criteria or less, then the learner cannot get a passing mark in the assignment/examination. The grade for such learners would be an F. However in a class of twenty there might be only 2 such learners.

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