Does grading stress you out? Perhaps there is a simpler way that yields better results. Have you ever heard of specifications grading? I use a variation of it and I am happy with the results.
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In this episode, I am going to break down specifications grading. This strategy was highlighted in Linda Nilson’s book, Specifications Grading: Restoring Rigor, Motivating Students, and Saving Faculty Time.
Specifications grading is based on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory standard. Either a student gets it all right or they need to do additional work.
I use this strategy in many of my classes. It has proved to be very easy to grade and contributes to deeper learning. I have no hesitation to kick back work to a student to have them improve upon it.
Naturally, feedback is a central component of this strategy.
Nilson also includes a concept called assignment bundling. I believe many of you will find this a refreshing change to how you currently dole out assignments and grades.
Additional Reading
- Book: Specifications Grading: Restoring Rigor, Motivating Students, and Saving Faculty Time
- Yes, Virginia, There’s a Better Way to Grade
- Experimenting with Specifications Grading
- Advocating a new way of grading
- How an alternative grading system is improving student learning
- What is Specification Grading?
- Standards-Based Specifications Grading in Thermodynamics
- Specifications Grading
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