How to Get an ‘A’ in My Class

By Mr. Donnelly

Everyone starts the class with a ‘C’ – you determine whether your grade goes up, down, or stays where it began. Your grade in this class basically depends on two things – writing and student teaching. I also allow extra credit work if it is prearranged with me. If your grade is on the borderline (69, 79, 89, etc.), quality class participation will put me in a generous mood when it comes to your final quarterly grade.

Writing

Writing matters. It shows you (and me) that you’ve understood what you’ve read and heard. There’s such a thing as bad writing, but there’s also such a thing as good writing. Try for the latter. You’ll be much happier at the end of the quarter.

At the end of most weeks, I will pass out a question to be answered. These questions will be deliberately open-ended so that you have the freedom to answer them as you see fit. After you answer them, turn them in on Monday for grading. (Why Monday? Because most other teachers give quizzes, tests, etc. on Fridays.)

Tips/Rules:

• Remember the basics -- introduction, body, conclusion; grammar; spelling; etc.
• Make your main point in the first paragraph (thesis statement).
• Don’t forget to include relevant details from readings, lectures, notes, etc. If you want to quote something (with source), go ahead.
• The paper must be at least two pages long. Then keep writing until you answer the question.
• I can’t give you an ‘A’ if I fall asleep before I finish your paper. Get me hooked.
• Make frequent backups of your work as you’re typing. You’ll get more sleep on Sunday nights.
• I don’t accept late papers (except under extraordinary circumstances).
• Fonts can be no larger than 12-point. Anything larger tells me you’re padding your paper.
• Double-space your papers. My eyes aren’t exactly old, but they aren’t getting any younger, either. Help me out.
• Handwritten papers are not accepted. Use either a computer or a typewriter. (PCs are available at the school and most area libraries.)
• I will make lots of comments on your paper. Please learn from them.
• Learn how to be a good writer by reading great writers and imitating them.

Student Teaching

You will have at least one opportunity to teach the class and dazzle us all with your skills. Your task is to discover what topic most interests you, and then prepare a 50-minute class about that topic. Your class shouldn’t be a rehash of what you’ve already learned about the topic, but should involve new research on your part. Use the Web, the library, etc. Above all, be informative and creative.

I want this class to be enjoyable for everyone. If you show up, do the work, participate in class discussions, and smile, you can’t go wrong.

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