Test 2 results and midterm grades

The descriptive statistics from Test #2:

average = 29.85 out of 40 (74.62%)
median = 30.5 (76.25%)
mode = 32 (80%)
stdev = 6.25 (15.63%) (the standard deviation is rather large--10% is the target).

The distribution of results indicate a "fat tail" in the upper range (many high scores--38, 39) but a "long thin tail" in the lower range (a wide range of low scores, but not necessarily a high frequency-- just that some who did bad did very bad).

Use the following grade scale as a guide for evaluating your performance (based on raw scores out of 40 points):

A: 35.5+
B: 30 - 35.5
C: 24 - 29.5
D: 18.5 - 23.5
F: 18 and below

Midterm grades:

I am required to turn in midterm grades for those who are performing at the D and F level. The red number on your score sheet is the weighted average of total points earned up to the mid point of the semester (does not include HW #7). There are a total of 46 possible points so far.

Convert your points (in red) to a percent by

(your points)
-------------- x 100 = percent score at midterm
46 points

The overall class average is 77.19% with a median value of 79.21%.

Use the grade scale below to evaluate your midterm score:

A: 87.5% +
B: 77.0% - 87.49%
C: 67% - 76.99%
D: 50% - 66.99%
F: below 50%

Instructor's comment: It appears that many people in the class are doing well. The number of people in the A/B range is greater than the number of people in the C/D/F range.

To those who are doing well: keep up the good work.

To those who are struggling: take measures to improve your performance. You should come to class with regularity. Try to do the homework and not just hope you can come into class and complete it by writing down what we go over. You're not likely truly learning anything. You're just getting points (in an academically dishonest manner, I might add). The truth is revealed by your performance on the test. Moreover, this is NOT a class where you study by reviewing your notes for an hour or so before the test. You should spend several hours studying. Yes, several hours. This includes working through the sample multiple choice problems. This includes going over your past homeworks. This includes reading the text. You just can't slack your way through economics and expect an A or B. For most of us those grades are earned by having an interest in the material and spending time learning the material.

If you think you are spending a lot of time studying but your performance is not as expected, you should discuss this with the instructor. You will be advised on measures you can take to improve your study skills.

Good luck with the remainder of the course.