Shifting to Specifications Grading: Two Design Cases

Session Description
Most formal learning experiences result in some sort of assessment and acknowledgement of learning outcomes, which may range from a certificate of completion to a grade on a rating scale. Whatever system is used, instructors and students benefit from clear expectations and well aligned learning objectives and assessment measures. Specifications grading is one approach that promotes a focus on achieved learning outcomes by clearly articulating expectations and the relationship between competencies and grades. This paper presents two university-level course design cases, one undergraduate and one graduate, in which a shift was made to a specifications grading system. The redesign required careful consideration of key competencies, competency indicators, mastery thresholds, and revision opportunities. At each course level there were different challenges to address, reflecting different levels of course difficulty and anticipated student maturity. Issues such as providing student feedback in a specifications system, handling situations where students challenge the system, and conversion to standard university grading scales also are discussed. Benefits included increased student self regulation and ownership of the learning and assessment processes.
Presenter(s)
Vanessa Dennen
Vanessa Dennen, Florida State University, FL
Professor of Instructional Systems & Learning Technologies at Florida State University and Editor-in-chief of The Internet and Higher Education
Lauren Bagdy
Lauren Bagdy, Florida State University, FL

Session Type
45-Minute Interactive Session
Audience
All Audiences

A recording of this presentation is available.
Click the button to the right to access the session archive.

Posted in 45-Minute Interactive Session and tagged , , , , .

Leave a Reply