Writing Like many others in academia, I was astonished to see the low quality of writing in my classes. Most students have learned to be lazy writers. From the first day of class and throughout the course, I remind students that they will be graded on their ability to communicate their knowledge and to demonstrate critical thinking. Poorly organized papers fail to do that. The more I have to work at deciphering what they mean, the more I suspect that they themselves do not know what they mean.
Grades fall accordingly.
When papers are assigned, I give my students a list of grading criteria that includes, inter alia, developing a thesis in first paragraph, logical flow of paper, and grammar, punctuation, spelling. Of course, I allow some errors, but the grade drops when errors permeate the paper. In my experience, students will rise to the challenge once they understand that I will act on my expectations. I remind them that no matter what career they choose in life, improved communication skills will aid them, which brings me to my last point. Great feedback on papers.