Final answer:
The instructor is using an evaluation. Factors that lead to success in grading systems include being present in class, innate ability, and work ethic. Jane's belief in her bad grade is due to an external locus of control.
Step-by-step explanation:
The instructor's comment is an example of an evaluation. When the instructor tells the student how poor their writing ability is and chastises them for not working harder, they are not merely describing the work or problem-solving. Instead, they are assessing the quality of the student's writing and making a judgment about the student's effort.
Evaluation and Student Performance
It's essential to consider the factors that impact student performance and result in varying grades. Success in academic work can largely be attributed to being present in class, possessing innate abilities, and demonstrating a strong work ethic. Conversely, a lack of success is often associated with deficiencies in these areas. The traditional system of grading is competitive and categorizes students based on their levels of success, paralleling the principles of capitalism.
If a teacher switches to a collective grading model, such as giving every student a 'C' because the class mean was 75%, it represents a shift from an individualistic to a collective approach, akin to a communist model. Here, the instructor asserts that the group's unity and the support for the weaker members are paramount. However, this fundamentally changes the incentives and feedback mechanisms for student performance.
Jane's Perception of Control
Regarding Jane's belief about receiving a bad grade due to her professor's personal disapproval, this is indicative of an external locus of control. Jane attributes her performance to external factors (her professor's feelings) rather than her abilities or the quality of her work, which would indicate an internal locus of control.