The Grading Podcast

Part 1

The Problems with Traditional Grading
Before we can explore how to change our grading to be more effective, more humane, more inclusive and to better support student learning, we need to begin by examining more closely what is wrong with what we currently do.

Part 2

Alternative Grading Defined

In this episode of The Grading Podcast, co-hosts Sharona and Bosley introduce the four pillars of Alternative Grading. Each pillar is introduced and defined, along with common misconceptions and myths.

Part 3

Developing Your Grading Architecture
In this episode, Sharona and Bosley describe the four decisions that make up the “Grading Architecture” of an alternatively graded course. After introducing the four decisions, they explore some examples of common options used for each of the decisions. 

Part 4

Gathering Evidence of Learning and Developing Proficiency Scales

Sharona and Bosley delve into the details of the first two decisions needed in designing your grading architecture. We discuss the different types of assessments and evidence that we can use to measure student learning. Then we dive into proficiency scales. What are they? How are they used in alternative grading?

Part 5

Completing a Learning Outcome and Rolling It Up to a Final Grade
In this episode, Bosley and Sharona take a thorough look at the third and fourth decisions of the grading architecture of an alternatively graded course: How will a student complete a learning target? How does an instructor roll up evidence of learning into a final grade?

Part 6

Feedback – Giving It and Getting Students to Use It

Feedback is one of the four core pillars of Alternative Grading. In this episode, co-hosts Robert Bosley and Sharona Krinsky discuss what elements are included in effective feedback, evaluate what it takes to teach students to use it, and share specific tips and barriers to student use.

Part 7

Building Buy-In

In this episode, Bosley and Sharona discuss “Buy-In” – what it is, what exactly we are trying to get people to buy into, who we need to get buy-in from, some ideas about how and when to get buy-in, etc.