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ERIC Number: EJ1281787
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1523-6803
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Implementing Specifications Grading in MPA Courses: A Potential Strategy for Better Work-Life Balance
Journal of Public Affairs Education, v26 n4 p531-547 2020
Public administration scholarship has documented the effectiveness of rubrics in assessing student competencies within classrooms and across MPA programs. Rubrics are one of many innovative techniques, however. As we advance pedagogy in public administration, scholars should consider additional grading techniques and evaluate a grading system beyond just its effectiveness. To fill this gap, I overview a new grading approach called specifications grading, which was developed by sociologist Linda Nilson. I explain its structure and offer an example of how I implemented it in a graduate-level public administration course, and then I summarize my experience and how students viewed the specifications grading. Finally, I conclude with challenges faculty may face in implementing the system as well as opportunities for a better work-life balance through a potentially more efficient grading method.
Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A