More faculty are considering alternative grading approaches, like ungrading and labor-based grading, to move students’ focus away from grades and towards learning. Hear from three instructors about how to implement these approaches and what to consider when adopting alternative grading practices.
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Overview of Alternative Grading
Dr. Beth Lisi from the Center for Teaching and Learning presents a short overview of alternative grading approaches based on the amount of logistics and prep required to get started using these systems.
Labor-based contract grading with Elkie Burnside
Dr. Elkie Burnside, Associate Director of the Writing Program and Senior Lecturer, uses labor-based grading system with students in College Writing 112. Drafts are assessed on a completion basis up until the final version, which is evaluated using a collaboratively developed rubric. This method has allowed students to focus more on their writing process and on taking risks.
Ungrading with Jason Hooper
Dr. Jason Hooper, Senior Lecturer II in Music Theory in the Department of Music and Dance, describes one aspect of his ungrading approach to homework assignments that allows students to reflect on their learning in conversation with each other and Dr. Hooper. Following class discussions, students complete a self-evaluation to assign themselves a grade and Dr. Hooper provides feedback on their questions and self-evaluations. Students noted this helped them spend less time concerned about grades, and more on the material itself.
Ungrading with Caralyn Zehnder
Dr. Caralyn Zehnder, Senior Lecturer in Biology, uses ungrading in her Junior Year Writing course. Students evaluate their progress in the course using a self-generated rubric and extensive written feedback from Dr. Zehnder. At the end of the semester, students reflect on their work and propose a grade for themselves that they discuss with Dr. Zehnder. Students reflected that not having grades encouraged them to look at feedback and put more effort into the course.