[eDebate] [CEDA-L] 100 point scale, not 50

[Alfred Snider]

Ross Smith wrote:

> So, we originally had in mind a 50 point scale where you could still use 

> half points.

>

> My message analogizing to grades required people to divide 100 by 2 to 

> get the idea.

>

> Several people have pointed out that we might as well use a 100 point 

> scale (without half points). Maybe it would be more "natural" to 

> educators and students who are used to giving and getting grades on such 

> a scale.

>

> Since there is no mathematical difference, I have no objection (nor does 

> Gary Larson, tab engineer).

>

> What do people think? Does the 100 point scale help with the gestalt?

>

>   

The 100-point scale is used at the World Universities Debating Championship.

Here is the breakdown. There seems to be a lot of wiggle room. I hope 
the formatting comes through:

A
90-100
Excellent to flawless. The standard of speech you would expect to see 
from a speaker at the Semi Final / Grand Final level of the tournament. 
This speaker has many strengths and few, if any, weaknesses.

B
80-89
Above average to very good. The standard you would expect to see from a 
speaker at the finals level or in contention to make to the finals. This 
speaker has clear strengths and some minor weaknesses.

C
70-79
Average. The speaker has strengths and weaknesses and roughly equal 
proportions.

D
60-69
Poor to below average. The team has clear problems and some minor strengths.

E
50-59
Very poor. This speaker has fundamental weaknesses and few, if any, 
strengths.

This system seems to work well to produce a "spread" of scores. There 
are usually very few ties.

This is just a FYI.

Tuna


-- 
Alfred C. Snider aka Tuna
Edwin Lawrence Professor of Forensics
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