16.4: Example Definition Essay

See the example definition paper on the next page and consider how well the student enacted the concepts in this chapter.

 

Student Name

Teacher Name

Comp 1

12 February 2018

Defining Good Students Means More Than Just Grades

       Many people define good students as those who receive the best grades. While it is true that good students often earn high grades, I contend

that grades are just one aspect of how we define a good student. In fact, even poor students can earn high grades sometimes, so grades are not the

best indicator of a student’s quality. Rather, a good student pursues scholarship, actively participates in class, and maintains a positive, professional

relationship with instructors and peers.

       Good students have a passion for learning that drives them to fully understand class material rather than just worry about what grades they

receive in the course. Good students are actively engaged in scholarship, which means they enjoy reading and learning about their subject matter not

just because readings and assignments are required. Of course, good students will complete their homework and all assignments, and they may even

continue to perform research and learn more on the subject after the course ends. In some cases, good students will pursue a subject that interests

them but might not be one of their strongest academic areas, so they will not earn the highest grades. Pushing oneself to learn and try new things can

be difficult, but good students will challenge themselves rather than remain at their educational comfort level for the sake of a high grade. The pursuit

of scholarship and education rather than concern over grades is the hallmark of a good student.

       Class participation and behavior are another aspect of the definition of a good student. Simply attending class is not enough; good students arrive

punctually because they understand that tardiness disrupts the class and disrespects the professors. They might occasionally arrive a few minutes early

to ask the professor questions about class materials or mentally prepare for the day’s work. Good students consistently pay attention during class

discussions and take notes in lectures rather than engage in off-task behaviors, such as checking their cell phones or daydreaming. Excellent class

participation requires a balance between speaking and listening, so good students will share their views when appropriate but also respect their

classmates’ views when they differ from their own. It is easy to mistake quantity of class discussion comments with quality, but good students know

the difference and do not try to dominate the conversation. Sometimes class participation is counted toward a student’s grade, but even without such

clear rewards, good students understand how to perform and excel among their peers in the classroom.

       Finally, good students maintain a positive and professional relationship with their professors. They respect their instructor’s authority in the

classroom as well as the instructor’s privacy outside of the classroom. Prying into a professor’s personal life is inappropriate, but attending office hours

to discuss course material is an appropriate, effective way for students to demonstrate their dedication and interest in learning. Good students go to

their professor’s office during posted office hours or make an appointment if necessary. While instructors can be very busy, they are usually happy to

offer guidance to students during office hours; after all, availability outside the classroom is a part of their job. Attending office hours can also help

good students become memorable and stand out from the rest, particularly in lectures with hundreds enrolled. Maintaining positive, professional

relationships with professors is especially important for those students who hope to attend graduate school and will need letters of recommendation in

the future.

       Although good grades often accompany good students, grades are not the only way to indicate what it means to be a good student. The

definition of a good student means demonstrating such traits as engaging with course material, participating in class, and creating a professional

relationship with professors. While every professor will have different criteria for earning an A in their course, most would agree on these

characteristics for defining good students.

Exercise