To promote a growth mindset among his students, Matt Whitlock has introduced an alternative grading approach: the additive grading scheme. This innovative method marks a departure from the conventional percentage systems that pigeonhole students into a fixed grading structure, often demotivating them as they watch as their initial A grades dwindle over time. The additive system, on the other hand, grades students based on the number of learning opportunities they earnestly engage in. This approach ensures that a student's performance is measured on their efforts and the quality of their work, rather than how their work compares to their peers.
How does it work?
Implementing the additive grading scheme begins with clear communication in the syllabus, setting the stage for a learning environment where students start with zero points, progressively earning more points through assignments. This model emphasizes flexibility and the opportunity for students to learn from failed attempts without the fear of immediate repercussions on their grades.
To balance point availability with grading capacity, Matt suggests a system where the total points available exceed the maximum grade points by at least 1.5 times. This encourages students to engage in both small, steady tasks and larger, cumulative assignments, ultimately allowing them to manage their learning pace and focus on areas of genuine interest.
Matt also suggests a point system based on student effort in the learning activities, as he termed SALT (Sincere Attempt to Learn a Thing). For example, students who eagerly attend the class will automatically earn 1 point. The point can be doubled, depending on the weight of the activities or assignments.
What do students think about this approach?
The feedback from students has been positive, with many appreciating the scheme's emphasis on building grades from the ground up. It has encouraged them to plan their learning more effectively, engage with material at their own pace, and enjoy the flexibility in assignment selection. This method has also alleviated the pressure to complete every single assignment, enabling a more personalized and less stressful learning experience.