Six graduate social work students, enrolled in a course on behavioral self-control, were taught using performance contracts for A, B, or C grades and the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). Student performance and satisfaction with the course were high. (GDC)

To investigate student attitudes toward grades and grading processes and to determine whether student attitudes represented a generalized construct or a number of identifiable contributing factors, a 57-item opinionnaire was created and administered to 345 junior high school students in a single Eugene, Oregon, school. Results are reported.…

A computer program that performs the computations involved in recording and averaging grades is presented and described. It can combine homework, in-term tests, and a final examination. The program is written in BASIC. (MP)

Describes a self-paced mastery learning process applied to an introductory sociology course at Lambton College (Sarnia, Ontario) in an attempt to correct traditional instructional and grading "malpractices." Describes course goals and organization, behavioral objectives, grading contracts, teaching techniques, student evaluation and feedback, and…

The author believes the essay is a good instrument for giving students practice in reading, thinking, and writing, and describes a model for scoring student essays. When using the model, judges ranked essays in similar order, thus allowing essay writing to become a reliable tool for developing basic skills. (KC)

Criteria used in awarding physics honors degrees are examined including the use of "total grade," combining written examinations, laboratory work, and other course work. Variations in practice are shown to exist and doubts have arisen about the validity of the average degree examination as the basis for professional standing. (JMF)

Investigated use of causal attribution and self-assessment variables in accounting for grade point average (GPA) variance and identifying causes for grades received, as perceived by high school students. Results showed causal attribution and self-assessment variables accounted for significant amounts of GPA variance. (Author)

A system for grading student work based on contracts is examined. Types of contracts, methods for controlling quality as well as quantity of work, advantages of the contract grading system, and the results of research into the use of grade contracts--including student reaction to the system--are some of the topics discussed. (JMP)

The viewpoints of Arrington and Jerry L. Modisette regarding Wilbert J. McKeachie's previously published article on grading are offered with a reply by McKeachie. Variations in standards, the motivational value of grades, and nonacademic influences on grades are considered. (LBH)

College grades are no longer accurate indicators of what students know. Ultimately, students and employers will be shortchanged and the validity of higher education endangered. Factors contributing to grade inflation include emphasis on student self-esteem, new grading schemes, competition for students. Possible solutions include raised admissions…

Three experiments (n=300) were conducted to investigate college student reactions to classroom fairness issues. In two experiments, student ratings of fairness were affected by manipulations of procedural fairness and grade outcome. Effects of procedural fairness were stronger than grade. In the third experiment, ratings of professors were…

Describes the use of batch-oriented computing as the basis for reintroducing homework problems as a teaching tool in beginning chemistry instruction. Stems from and expands upon a system used in a university setting that produces, delivers, grades, and keeps records for homework problems. (DDR)

Describes the use of computers for grading assignments in beginning and intermediate reporting and writing programs at Texas A&M University. Indicates that students store assignments on a computer network, where the instructor can access them to grade them. Describes techniques for making electronic corrections clear and provides sample…

The major forms of evidence that support a standard's credibility are reviewed, and what can be done over time and for different forms of an examination to enhance its comparability in a credentialing setting is outlined. Pass-fail decisions must be consistent to ensure a standard's credibility. (SLD)

Discusses a small group debate technique that can be utilized in any classroom that includes controversial topics. Explains the technique prepares students to give presentations. Includes information on the method, topic selection, group formation, debate location, group interaction, concerns with teacher supervision, student outlines, and…