Focuses on the nature and problems presented by grading student essays. Offers some solutions to those problems and reasons why it makes sense to put the burden of proof for grading on students so that a constructive dialog can develop between students and teacher. (TB)

The term "rubric" refers to a scoring guide used to evaluate the quality of students' constructed responses (written compositions, oral presentations, or science projects). Although educators rave about rubrics, the vast majority are instructionally fraudulent. Problems arise when rubrics are too task-specific or general or lengthy and…

A review of court litigation, including three landmark cases that have implications for nursing education, indicates that courts support faculty judgment in assigning grades. However, faculty must be fair and consistent and be able to explain the criteria used for grading. (Contains 11 references.) (SK)

Using data from the High School and Beyond survey, estimates the effects of grading standards on student achievement, educational attainment, and entry-level earnings. Finds that higher standards raise test scores throughout the distribution of achievement, but have no positive effect on educational attainment--in fact have negative effects on…

Examines how risk management is reworking the doctoral supervisor/candidate relationship. Examines "soft marking" (grading) as a specific domain in which risk minimization is producing new relational identities for both supervisors and students involved in doctoral studies programs. (EV)

Discusses the pros and cons of using a computerized gradebook program for keeping records of student performance. Describes what tasks such programs can do for teachers, and their shortcomings. Explains differences between database and spreadsheet programs, and notes the extent to which 11 gradebook programs accomplish record-keeping tasks. (SR)

Presents ideas about how to involve students in the evaluation of their own writing, including peer evaluation, self evaluation, and primary-trait scoring. (MM)

Asserts that members of cartels have tremendous incentives to cheat on production limits to maximize profits. Describes a classroom activity in which grading an examination using a "curve" permits students to establish "cartels." Provides instructions on how the activity is used in the classroom. (CFR)

Argues that teachers knowingly or unknowingly use grades to reward and punish students for their behavior, attitude, appearance, family backgrounds, and lifestyles, as well as writing ability. Describes how the author has been suspicious throughout her career of her own grading biases, and how she attempted, through an experiment in anonymous…

Explores parents' perspectives of elementary school assessment in Clark County (Nevada) School District, using data gathered from indepth telephone interviews. Generally, parents were highly satisfied with the current system for reporting student progress, although many were concerned about subjectivity and meaning of letter grades. A majority…

Computers may someday replace teachers at essay grading. In recent research, a blind test has demonstrated that a computer can simulate the judgment of a group of human judges on a brand-new set of essays. Moreover, the PEG (Project Essay Grade) program can do a better (and more cost-effective) job than the usual two human readers while providing…

Investigates a possible source of grade-related conflict--the different perceptions students and teachers hold on what grades "mean." Finds stark differences between the two groups' perceptions of grades while underscoring the value of metaphor analysis as a tool for elucidating respondents' deeply felt central meanings. (SR)

Observes that there has been no accounting of the history of the teaching of sociology. Suggests that the journal, "Teaching Sociology," can help bring attention to teaching. Notes that sociology majors' grades and standardized tests scores have declined. Argues that sociology instruction must become more effective and must implement value added…

Shares a grading system based on a percentage of the total number of points attainable. The system requires students to maintain a personal notebook of their work and informs students of how their grades will be calculated. (MDH)