Discusses on the basis of Ph.D. qualifying examination results, advantages of a discrete scoring system under which continuously graded answers are classified as either correct'' or incorrect'' with the cutoff placed at a bias level.'' Indicates that the discrete method is characterized by increased selectivity about the marginal students. (CC)

Author holds that no educational research has ever shown that grades are helpful to children or to learning. He also lists eight major criticisms of the traditional grading system. (GB)

Presents the results of a research survey comparing graded and nongraded elementary schools. (Author/RK)

Although the pass-fail option proved to be popular with students, the faculty sample felt that it was being abused, and had somewhat negative attitudes toward the system. (AG)

Material in research and writing skills was integrated into departmental curricula in a Polish university. The intent was to develop students' skills in analyzing the content, reasoning, and forms of technical literature, and simultaneously practice planning written assignments, defining terms, organizing bibliographies, and using footnotes…

An experimental program in jury grading of freshman composition at Arkansas State University, abandoned after charges of racial bias and infringement on academic freedom, is described and evaluated based on comparison of jury grades and standardized test scores. The consensus of instructors is that the method was objective and consistent. (MSE)

Reviews the literature in volunteering as it relates to a university credit course for students volunteering in human services agencies. Discusses the development of the program, along with the advantages to students, agencies, and the university. (Author/RC)

A system designed to provide workable mathematics enrichment to gifted students in a standard mathematics classroom is presented. Mathematical contracts are the main feature of this successfully used program. (MP)

Problems in grading and evaluating English compositions are discussed. Factors include methods of marking, reliability, prediction, characteristics of markers, and handwriting. The effect of time passage on evaluation criteria was determined by comparing essays written in 1922 with new ones written on the same topic (f=fiche number). (MH)

Compares full- and part-time community college faculty members with respect to the following indicators of teaching effectiveness: teaching experience, continuity of employment, degree attainment, selection of course materials, reading requirements for students, use of instructional media and support services, grading practices, availability to…

Problems encountered in testing in aerospace engineering courses in an accelerated technical program of a German military university are outlined. Four common grading procedures are compared, and the optimum length of written tests is discussed. (MSE)

Low grades and papers overrun with corrections can discourage children from learning to write. Assuming children who write a great deal can become good writers, this article provides alternatives to grading: individual, weekly conferences; editing by peers; and use of an overhead projector. Praise and comments are considered a must. (DS)