MUDSLINGER is back for more in its third round! In this article, Opinion Editor Yarely Gaytan and Copy Editor Sirena Troutt go head-to-head on participation points: should they be part of the grading system? Last time, they debated whether or not New Year’s resolutions mean anything, with Yarely taking the crown. This debate was overseen by the surrounding staff of The Auroran Today. Yarely is purple. Sirena is gold.
RULES:
- The debate must be kept civil (no profanity, insults, etc.)
- Attacks and responses are limited to exactly three sentences.
- Opponents must each state their argument clearly.
- Turns must be equal. Each turn will have the same number of starting statements, evidence, and/or rebuttals.
- The debate will end once a rule is broken or an editor can no longer defend their point.
- Readers will decide the winner via a poll.
- Have fun!
Personally, I don’t think participation points should be part of a grade. Isn’t it just showing up for the class and answering a couple of questions? In my opinion, grades should be more about the actual classwork, not being present for class.
I see your point, however for me (someone who has maintained good grades with terrible attendance) I appreciate participation points, because they give me a reason to come to class. I struggle with feeling motivated to be present in the school because nothing really needs me here. With that being said, they aren’t just points for me, they help me keep my mom out of jail.
For truancy? Girl, you need to get your attendance fixed. Participation points shouldn’t be the only reason to come to school – you might feel like nothing is keeping you present, but sometimes not having much to do in a class period allows you to get more work done, especially if you’re like me and tend to get distracted at home.
Okay, clock me I guess. You make a great point, but as a senior my days are short anyway, and I don’t feel like I have to be here for my four classes all the time if they don’t give me a reason to. For example (shout out Mr. Wiley) I appreciate Mr. Wiley because most times in class we do things that are done on paper (participation), and he is the reason the rest of my teachers see me because otherwise I would fail his class.
Yeah, alright, I feel that! I guess participation points are pretty important, and even if they’re not my personal form of motivation, they’re a nice boost to my grade anyway. I can’t say I exactly love all my classes, but showing up and getting points for that is definitely a bonus.
This debate has ended due to the authors reaching an agreement. Who do you think won? Vote for your favorite below. If you would like to be a participant in this series, please contact Mrs. Rauenbuehler via e-mail: [email protected]
See you next time on MUDSLINGER!
Who Won This Month's Mudslinger?
Sorry, there was an error loading this poll.
