I was looking at previous posts and it seems like this is an easy class...but what are the enrichment projects like?

3/21/2006 9:08:00 PM

They are projects that intend for you to actually take what you learn in class and apply it to the outside world. If you just do the tests for Osborne, then you can make an A. But if you want an A+, then you need to do enrichment projects, which are relatively easy and depending on what you do (helping autistic children learn better, etc.) are actually really cool. The tests are online and open notes, you have several attempts at them, and he works on a mastery grading system which means that if you score an 85 or better on a submission that you get full credit (i.e. 100%) as your grade for that exam. It's an excellent class, and Dr. Osborne is one of the top five professors I've had at NC State. All that being said, he has >80% of his students earning an A+.

3/21/2006 9:18:01 PM

Actually you canNOT make an A without doing the enrichment projects, at least not this semester.

60 points from the online tests (mastery checks)
10 points from the final (same as a mastery check)
30 points from the enrichment projects
10 points from participation

110 points possible...90 being an A- and sort of a buffer for the A's up to 110 points.

RattlerRyan is right about making an 85 or better on the tests/quizzes to get full credit though.

Check the grade distributions. The proportion of students getting A's is high, but definately not 80%...def not over 80% getting A+'s.

To answer the original question though, the enrichment projects often require in school observations, or participation in TA led seminars. Then you write a short paper about it. It sounds like alot, but its super easy. Take the class if you want to make a good grade without a great deal of effort...

3/21/2006 11:33:39 PM

ok so I guess things have changed a bit

Maybe the 80% was people making at least an A, but it's still extremely high.

3/21/2006 11:59:23 PM