SELF by Almas
Self-Evaluation of Serikov Almas: way to get A-
1. Abstract
During the fall semester in 2017, Almas Serikov attended “Genomics” classes taught by professor Jong Bhak. Classes we delivered in different style, resembling more to discussion sessions. Almas attended most of the classes and demonstrated willing to study. Actually, the main lesson he received was about thinking. Almas realized that thinking ability has a significant effect on human’s life.
2. Evaluation criteria
|
Criteria |
Portion |
|
Attendance |
13% |
|
Attitude and Participation |
26% |
|
Assignment |
11% |
|
Scientific essay |
40% |
|
Participation in seminars |
10% |
|
Bonus |
5% |
3. Score
3.a. Attendance
In total, there were ~13 classes and Almas missed 3 of them. Once Almas simply didn’t come because of his laziness. In other two cases, he didn’t come due to his extracurricular activities.
The score for attendance: 10%
3.b. Attitude and Participation
Almas was amazed from the first class of “Genomics” course and from the beginning he tried absorb everything that professor Jong said. During all classes Almas demonstrated good attitude and tried to participate in-class discussions by asking and responding to questions. Usually, before the classes he checked the material given by professor Jong. However, at the beginning of the semester, he was interested in other activities, therefore, he didn’t show appropriate attitude and didn’t have enough knowledge about the subject to follow the class.
The score for attitude and participation: 22%
3.c. Assignment
There was a task to write down 30 terms related to genomics in own words and this task was fully completed by Almas.
The score for Assignment: 11%
3.d. Scientific Essay
Almas began research at the beginning of October, but he stuck at the very first step. He couldn’t choose the topic of an essay. Then during the class professor mentioned about the importance of thorough experiment design and he got insight. Using the knowledge that Almas already obtained about cats’ phylogeography, he could design the outline for his work. Unfortunately, it took long time to overcome the first step and start writing scientific essay itself. Finally, Almas finished his essay about genetic variations among cat breeds, random-bred and wild cats, and he came to his conclusion about this issue. Even though Almas investigated a lot to write an essay and to develop it, he didn’t have enough skills and knowledge to convert all his huge work into good essay.
The score for essay: 36%
3.e. Participation in seminars
In cases when genomics classes were canceled professor Jong recommended students to visit seminars which discussed certain topics. Unfortunately, Almas couldn’t go attend Third Genome Korea Conference and lecture about polymer-based nano sensors. However, he attended the same event, Genome Korea Conference, last year before taking the genomics course and he attended Third Symposium organized by CGI.
The score for participation in seminars: 4%
3.f.
There is a hypothesis that the main goal of professor Jong was to teach students how to think as a scientists and Jong often encourage them to break frames and think critically. This pushed them to think more about everything that surrounds us and don’t simply follow common sense way. This lesson is not restricted by academic life, but it can be implied in all aspects of life. Almas could realize it, and he can earn extra point for it.
Bonus score: 5%
4. Grading
|
96-100% |
A+ |
|
91-96% |
A0 |
|
87-91% |
A- |
|
83-87% |
B+ |
|
78-83% |
B0 |
|
74-78% |
B+ |
|
71-74% |
C+ |
|
65-71% |
C0 |
|
60-65% |
C- |
|
0-70% |
F |
Almas’ cumulative score is 83% without Bonus points. Bonus points will be counted only if professor Jong approve the hypothesis above. In that case, the total score will be 88%.
5. Conclusion
Almas didn't fully focus on his classes, therefore, his overall academic performance decreased this semester. However, he learned something else that is also important in life. Eventually, Almas scores 88% (if professor approves the hypothesis) which is equuivalent to A-. However, if professor Jong disapproves the hypothesis, the total score will be 83% which is equivalent to B+. The final grade depends on the perspective of professor Jong.