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| Some Thoughts on American Higher Education |
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Philosophically, the American educational system is designed to provide a broad education for as many people as possible. Upon graduation from an undergraduate institution, American college students are expected to demonstrate a wide range of abilities.
As students progress through the higher educational system, work becomes more specialized. In contrast with many other countries, student evaluation occurs more frequently, usually several times per semester in a single academic course through tests, papers, and/or oral presentations. Courses are normally of semester duration (15 weeks in length). Two semesters constitute an academic year -- the Fall semester which runs from the end of August to mid-December, and the Spring semester which runs from mid-January to mid-May. Full time study is considered to be 3 courses per semester, although most undergraduates register for more (usually 4 courses) so that they may graduate in four academic years. Colgate students need thirty-two courses (AP and transfer credits included) to graduate.
At Colgate, courses are generally graded on A, B, C, D, and F basis with a plus/minus option. The higher the course grade, the higher the institution's evaluation. Students are expected to enroll in 4 courses but students may choose to take 5 courses after their first semester. The Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory option is allowed in the junior and senior years.
A letter grade of A+ equals (4.33) points, A (4.0), A- (3.67), B+ (3.33), B (3.0), B (2.67), C+ (2.33), C (2.0), C- (1.77), D+ (1.33), D (1.0), D- (0.67), F (0.0). These points are used to assess overall acquired knowledge and result in a grade-point average. The cumulative grade-point average is used as evidence of all courses carried during the student's tenure at the University (over several semesters).
Each instructor will have his or her own philosophy of grading. Some use fixed scales; others use a formula based on competition. This information should be presented by the instructor during the first scheduled class of the semester.
Instructional methods also vary. The most common form is the lecture, which may be supplemented by class discussions or a laboratory. Students are expected to contribute to class discussions, and very often examinations are based on topics touched upon in class sessions rather than just the assigned reading, making it important for students to take notes. Participation in class or class discussions is encouraged and is viewed as a sign of interest by the students. Another form of instruction is the seminar, usually a small class devoted entirely to discussion. Seminars usually require term papers (as do some other classes) based on research done in a particular area.
Objective measures are also used to determine the student's knowledge and application of facts. Types of objective tests include multiple choice, true and false, identification and/or explanation of the significance of a term or phrase, or fill in the blank questions. Subjective examinations include the term paper or essay questions. The essay requires students to organize and relate knowledge about a particular concept(s).
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