> I am concerned about the marks. I strongly believe that most of the > students in the class are much stronger than the average student > especially since many people have dropped the course. I am concerned > with the fact that most teachers try and maintain a certain average > in their course regardless of the level of the students in their > course. If this approch is taken in this course, students that > normally get good marks will be substantially penalized. Considering, > that scholarships and graduate schools depend heavily on marks, > the impact of a lower than usual mark could have a substantial > impact on a student's carrer.No need for concern. I am well aware of the fact that a number of students left the course, with the result that the majority of the class is "above average." As I explained in the final lecture, I do not mark on a curve, but rather, based on my expectations of what quality of work constitutes an "A grade" vs. a "B grade" etc. Of course, this does not mean that you will automatically get an "A" just because you happen to be an "above average" student.
Feel free to speak with me about this in person if you still have concerns. I welcome the anonymous feedback as a means for students to express opinions that they would otherwise be afraid to voice in person, but this forum cannot replace a candid, face to face discussion! (And no, I won't grade your exam any differently :-) - Jeremy