Setting up a grading system
What do you see as the biggest challenges to setting up a grading system?
We use a grading rubric that is stamped and sealed. There is no varying from the rubric which sort of sucks because there is no leniancy.
I agree. The grading rubric is passed out and discussed on day 1. I have made changes mid semester in the past, but made sure these would not negatively impact any grade. Also made sure the students understood the changes and why they were being made.
Malinda,
I try to put the greatest percentage weight on what I feel are the components that best measure learning.
Barry Westling
Some of our students also do poorly on tests, but excellent in the lab (skills they will use in their career). What's most important is that they are learning.
It's not in my control. I simply administer the grading system that I am forced to give according to the school.
We have this type of "component system" at our college. I do find that one weakness of this type of system is that it is possible, if a student has good attendance/participation and completes all homework and projects, this student is able to pass the class while failing every test. I do not believe a student should pass a class in which he/she is unable to demonstrate learning by passing even one test.
Kevina,
Even if instructors just "ballpark" a grade, they are providing valuable feedback to students.
Barry Westling
As a mentor, I find that new instructors often do not see the interaction of the grades. The students should be able to see how the grade is developing but with weighted grades, that is often difficult.
Dave,
Sure, 5-10 question scan-tron quizzes ought to be simple to grade and virtually immediate in return to students. Essay, word problems, or calculations usually take longer to grade, but often demonstrate thinking, and serve as a better measure of learning.
Barry Westling
I think that a grading system that easy to set up can help a lot in getting students back their grades quickly
Matthew,
Yeah, it can be a challenge. Dividing the points and categories is quite easy, really just simple math. For me the more difficult piece is weighing the components so that what I feel best reflects a true measure of student learning will emerge in the final grade. Sometimes it's a bit of trial and error.
Barry Westling
i think the hardest part is making it all come together. we are working on a 1000 point system and there is a lot that goes into it. I think its going to be a great way to set a standard and will help students understand the goals at hand.
Jeff,
Subjectivity should always be minimized. My assessments attempt to measure learning, based on defined outcomes and course objectives.
Barry Westling
The biggest challenge to setting up a grading system is matching the grading system to relevancy in the field. You have to make sure you make it relevant to the field while trying not to make it subjective. If it is too subjective it opens to questions of favoritism. Competencies that have a well defined rubric are a good way to have relevancy to the field without being overly subjective.
Erin,
Creating something fair can be a challenge. Measuring the students learning is a good focus.
Barry Westling
Ensuring that every student has the opportunity to do well. By setting up a fair grading system that gives students multiple ways to show their progress in the class is imperative.
Frank,
Good points. I maintain there are always alternatives to assessing performance. Of course the goal is to measure learning, and any way that effectively achieves that accurately is a good achievement.
Barry Westling
The traditional written final exam was not providing the non-traditional students a real evaluation of the critical hand skills learned in the class. Students who simply memorize answers to pass a written test were mislead into thinking they mastered the coursework.
By setting up a grading and testing process that clearly states how the testing will be accomplished, such as including a hands-on examination and a written examination, and what point value is assigned to each part of the testing process, the student will receive a better assessment of what they have learned. The trick is to balance the points and ensure the observed hands on skills are evaluated consistently and to a standard to ensure points are awarded fairly.
Wendy,
It's good when students adhere to policy. Of course there are always those that push the envelope. Usually, my approach is to relate behavior or academic deficiency issues to the career setting, as in ...what would an employer do or act based on this behavior? Relating it to work brings a down to earth perspective (in most cases).
Barry Westling
