Definition: Participation goes beyond simply showing up for class and pretending to pay attention. Participation requires active engagement in class discussion, which may include offering your opinion on an issue, answering (or attempting to answer) a question, asking a relevant question, or clearly paying close attention to what is occurring in the class. In terms of your comments, quality counts far more than quantity. An interesting and insightful 30-second comment is far more impressive than 5 minutes of BS.

"A" Participation would mean showing up for all classes, paying close attention during class, and making frequent quality comments (3 to 4 per week).

"B" Participation would mean accumulating no more absences than the course allowance, paying attention during class, and making many good comments (1 to 2 per week).

"C" Participation would mean accumulating no more absences than the course allowance, paying attention in class, and making several good comments (1 to 2 over the course of two weeks).

"D" Participation would mean accumulating more absences than the course allowance, paying only moderate attention in class, and rarely commenting (fewer than 2 per per month).

"F" Participation would mean accumulating more absences than the course allowance, not paying attention in class, and rarely commenting (fewer than 1 per month or not at all).

Remember that the above grid is only a guideline. If you make many good comments but accumulate more absences than the course allowance, or if you are consistently late for class (yes, that will affect your grade) you could still end up with a C or D for your participation grade. And remember that if you accumulate more absences than the course limit, you will fail the course regardless of how well you do on the assignments. Show up and be on time.