Alternatives to Traditional Grading as a Way to Build Student Resiliency and Autonomy
About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Lis Regula, Lecturer in Biology
Location
Kennedy Union Room 312
Start Date
4-1-2023 10:00 AM
End Date
4-1-2023 10:50 AM
Abstract/Description
In part due to the ongoing and increased mental health concerns in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many faculty and researchers are reporting deficiencies in our students’ coursework. This may show up as decreased grades as well as increased need for accommodations, decreased engagement, lowered retention, and difficulty with higher executive functioning.
To allow students the space to learn how to learn, I have introduced contract grading to summer and fall classes. I will give a brief presentation of what I changed in the classroom setting these semesters and what I have seen reflected so far in the course grades and self-report data on their perspectives about contract grading. Following that, we will discuss the role of the instructor in this altered landscape and how we can foster growth with our students and university community.
Goals for Attendees
1) Attendees will have an understanding of students perspectives on alternative grading and their motivations 2) Attendees will learn how alternative grading might play out in the classroom and what obstacles they might encounter 3) Attendees will be able to approach classrooms more as communities of learning, and be better capable of addressing student challenges with compassion (and not burn out)
Alternatives to Traditional Grading as a Way to Build Student Resiliency and Autonomy
Kennedy Union Room 312
In part due to the ongoing and increased mental health concerns in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many faculty and researchers are reporting deficiencies in our students’ coursework. This may show up as decreased grades as well as increased need for accommodations, decreased engagement, lowered retention, and difficulty with higher executive functioning.
To allow students the space to learn how to learn, I have introduced contract grading to summer and fall classes. I will give a brief presentation of what I changed in the classroom setting these semesters and what I have seen reflected so far in the course grades and self-report data on their perspectives about contract grading. Following that, we will discuss the role of the instructor in this altered landscape and how we can foster growth with our students and university community.
