Your Goal Grade
Highlight the header for the column below to indicate which grade you plan to work toward in the course. Meeting the basic requirements for your chosen letter grade, according to the table below, is mandatory.
| A Work | B Work | C Work |
-Misses one class or less, or completes make-up work for excused absences -Annotates all readings thoroughly -Makes substantive comments in discussions -Completes all assignments on time (or has an approved extension request) -Work demonstrates intellectual engagement, care, effort, and growth in response to feedback -Collaborates substantially, contributes to vision, works equally with peers | -Misses two classes or less, or completes make-up work for excused absences -Annotates readings -Often participates in discussion -Completes all major assignments on time (or has an approved extension request) -Completes most SAs on time -Work demonstrates care, effort and growth in response to feedback -Collaborates equally, completes required work | -Misses three classes or less, or completes make-up work for excused absences -Completes most readings -Sometimes adds to discussion -Completes all major assignments on time (or has an approved extension request) -Completes at least four SAs -Meets minimal expectations on assignments; shows limited growth in response to feedback -Completes required collaborative work |
Introduction
After finishing my first year in CODES, I really got an understanding of the goals I have set. I have accomplished way more than I intended this past year, and looking forward to remaining disciplined. This year in CODES, I want to stay focused on my research to not only benefit me but also give my group an understanding of why we do research. I’m excited to see what challenges this year brings. Even if it gets uncomfortable, I will prevail and continue to strive for excellence.
During the middle of the semester, CODES brought a fair amount of challenge. I was struggling to find a mission and kept having to restart over and over. However, I was able to finish my assignments on time and communicate with my professor. I want to keep going and find my part for my new group because challenges are nothing without discipline. With the support of my peers, I know anything is achievable.
CODES is coming to a close, and I can honestly say that it is one of my hardest classes of the semester. I was lost for the majority of the semester and kept reaching dead ends. I talked to my professor about one of my ideas, and it was something possible we could do before the semester ended. Instead of just sharing my struggles with flood, I did interviews to give multiple responses and perspectives on flooding. The test presentation went well, and I believe our group will ace the next upcoming challenge. I feel everything turned around and worked in my favor. I had some challenging moments, but I was able to endure them all.
Goal 1
12 C.) Collaboration (20%) Works independently toward goals by contributing and meeting deadlines
| What will you do to learn the content/ develop the skill? | What examples will you add to the portfolio to demonstrate your learning? | What characteristics of the chosen examples demonstrate you have met your goal? |
| This Goal is really making sure that I am focused on finishing my work. Being in a team, we all have to work together and pull our weight. Making this a goal will help me continue to be responsible with the deadlines. | Some examples of the assignments I could use are – Content assignment -Final Presentation -Reflection 4 -Reflection 5 | Things that show me doing my goals are my efforts in my final presentation. I could also be doing that with the reflections we are having over the semester. |
- Content Assignment (5%)
This is evidence because this information appeared on the Cahokia Heights page and presented responses to my FAQ. Creating knowledge form the perspectives of the native people who live in the city.
- Reflection#4 (5%)
This is evidence because the reflection was connected to the content assignment. This reflection would contribute through the collaboration of the Cahokia Heights page. Expressing my thought process and how I handled my page.
- Reflection#5 (5%)
I chose this as evidence because it reflects our work on different assignments. Expressing that all the projects we worked on this semester were turned in on time. Things like the Cahokia Heights page and the final presentation. It also shows the highs and lows we faced working on each assignment.
- Final Presentation (5%)
I used this as evidence because this is one of my slides for the final presentation. I made an FAQ and reflected on my personal experience with flooding. Turning this in along with my group when we weren’t in class.
Goal 2
2 B.) Critical & creative thinking (20%) Takes risks in assignments and in approaches to learning to create new knowledge
| What will you do to learn the content/ develop the skill? | What examples will you add to the portfolio to demonstrate your learning? | What characteristics of the chosen examples demonstrate you have met your goal? |
| I will continue to approach my assignments differently and question the reasons behind various events or topics. To get a better understanding of the assignment at hand. | Some examples of the assignments I could use are -Content Assignment – Final Presentation -Reflection 3 – Final Data Collection | Things like the final presentation can prove that I met my goals. Examples include having more information on a certain topic. I could also break down the different information to help viewers better understand. |
- Reflection#3 (5%)
I am using this as evidence because I know the limits we went to find information on grassroot organizations. I have switched my groups for the 3rd time, and I was able to find my place with my current group. Coming up with a plan that would advance my progress and understanding of our mission.
- Content Assignment (5%)
I use this as evidence because this was a part of one of my pages for the Cahokia Heights page. Everyone contributed at least 1 page of information related to organizations, support, etc. Showing we all contributed to something greater.
- Final Presentation (5%)
I am using this as evidence because, after changing my goal(assignment), I was able to make an FAQ. I was originally looking for grassroots organizations, but it left me blank on information. This is evidence because I found another way to give information while telling my personal issues with flooding.
- Final Data Collection (5%)
I am using this as evidence because of the different process I went through to gather data. First my thoughts were to go to different grassroot organizations helping during flooding but that didn’t work. My final though was doing testimony from people native to the city to give a firsthand perspective. proving that I found a creative way to show knowledge.
Goal 3
9 B.) Problem-Solving Skills (20%) Identifies and evaluate multiple approaches for solving problems.
| What will you do to learn the content/ develop the skill? | What examples will you add to the portfolio to demonstrate your learning? | What characteristics of the chosen examples demonstrate you have met your goal? |
| Problem-solving was something I really struggled with last semester. I want to be able to find another option rather than giving up when things get hard. I will be more open to new options rather than shutting down. | Some examples of the assignments I could use are – Content Assignment -Final Presentation – Reflection 1 – Reflection 2 | Showing I met these goals would be things like how I respond to assignments. Not settling for one answer but looking to see if it’s another option. I would also dive into how these problems occur. |
- Reflection#1 (5%)
I am using this as evidence because of how challenging it has been for me personally. I know switching my goals and groups would create opportunities for me to find new solutions. However, the same problems keep finding me even after finding another route. Even though I’m taking 2 steps back after one step, I still find a way to my solution.
- Reflection 2 (5%)
I’m using this as evidence because I was looking for another way our group could come up with another topic. Specifically, the information needed to back up data. Showing that I’m trying to create space for another solution.
- Content Assignment (5%)
This is used as evidence because I found a solution to getting data that’s useful or relevant to our topic. Interviewing people rather than just writing about my own personal experience can give multiple perspectives.
- Final Presentation (5%)
This is evidence because I acknowledged my struggles at the beginning while looking for a project. I didn’t let that discourage me and was able to give the audience an FAQ about flooding. Showing that I was able to solve the problem of not having a project early on in the semester.
Goal 4
13 A.) Written Communication (20%) Demonstrates a thorough understanding of context, audience, and purpose
| What will you do to learn the content/ develop the skill? | What examples will you add to the portfolio to demonstrate your learning? | What characteristics of the chosen examples demonstrate you have met your goal? |
| Giving context and understanding is one of the foundations of writing. Not being able to present the right information will not help you understand the topic, leading you in the wrong direction. I want to show that the way I see information is still bringing understanding and showing my views. | Some examples of the assignments I could use are – Content Assignment – Final Presentation -Reflection 3 – Reflection 4 | Some ways I can show I met this goal are through my reflections. When you reflect on something, you have to have some form of understanding of your topic. Even for the final presentation, being able to clearly show the information that I learned can give the understanding needed. |
- Reflection 3 (5%)
I’m using this as evidence because I have addressed and found the main factor of flooding. Researching to understand why water infrastructure is so strong in Cahokia Heights and East Saint Louis. Considering this, people are still battling issues inside and outside their homes.
- Reflection 4 (5%)
This is evidence because I communicated the problem and why these solutions aren’t easily possible. The purpose is to help those in the community and understand that the government stands between what stays the same and what changes.
- Content Assignment (5%)
I am using this as evidence because I was able to express the understanding of flood damage in East Saint Louis. Connecting with the person I interviewed and sharing that information with others who sought similar knowledge. This is also evidence because it shows the purpose of my interview, demonstrating that everyone has a story.
- Final Presentation (5%)
This is used as evidence because I was able to give a visual understanding of the knowledge I have gathered. I was able to address the problem and give purpose to the reason why I did the interview. I was also able to express the challenges I went through to get to this point. Expressing that I had purpose when writing.
Goal 5
8) Oral Communication – Develops clear, innovative central messages with significant supporting materials. (20%)
| What will you do to learn the content/ develop the skill? | What examples will you add to the portfolio to demonstrate your learning? | What characteristics of the chosen examples demonstrate you have met your goal? |
| Presenting research will have its moments where you will have to speak to an audience. You don’t want to mislead them or not be truthful with your information because it can prevent a deeper understanding. So, I will make sure I display the right information needed and not what I want them to hear. | Some examples of the assignments I could use are – Final Presentation | The final presentation will be the main thing demonstrating this goal. I feel I get nervous a lot of times when it comes to presenting a new topic or research. Being able to show my audience the information and being able to back it up will make everything go smoother. |
Final Presentation (20%)
I am using this as evidence because I was able to go over my presentation before next week, breaking down my message. I was able to give an understanding of the firsthand experience of living in East Saint Louis. I acknowledge the struggles of the city because I grew up there, and I allowed the voices of people I interviewed to be shared. Giving future and potential advice for those who struggle or have dealt with flooding. This is evidence because the message I brought forward when speaking.