Social Learning Amplified hosted by Eric Mazur

Episode 15: A Look at Grading for Growth

Jan 3, 2024

In this engaging discussion, Robert Talbert, a mathematics professor and author of 'Flipped Learning,' along with David Clark, an advocate for alternative grading in higher education, dive into their book, 'Grading for Growth.' They explore the flaws of traditional grading systems and introduce a four-pillar model for alternative grading that promotes authentic learning. The conversation highlights the importance of intrinsic motivation, shares student experiences with new approaches, and offers actionable steps for educators to implement meaningful assessment reforms.

39:07

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Episode guests

David Clark

Robert Talbert

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Alternative grading emphasizes meaningful feedback over traditional scores, fostering student growth and intrinsic motivation in the learning process.

The four pillars of alternative grading provide a framework for educators to support student engagement by focusing on clear standards and progress recognition.

Deep dives

Understanding Alternative Grading

Alternative grading focuses on improving traditional grading practices to better reflect student learning and growth. It shifts the emphasis from simply assigning grades to providing meaningful feedback on student progress. Unlike traditional systems that often discourage learning by reducing student engagement to mere point collecting, alternative grading methods are designed to align with how humans naturally learn. By fostering an environment that respects the learning process, alternative grading helps students concentrate on mastering concepts rather than playing the grading game.

Intro

5min

Rethinking Grading and Assessment

14min

Rethinking Assessment: The Concept of Ungrading

5min

Rethinking Grading Practices

11min

Embracing Alternative Grading for Enhanced Learning

2min

Enhancing Student Success Through Actionable Feedback

2min

In this episode of the Social Learning Amplified podcast, Eric Mazur and guests David Clark (Grand Valley State University) and Robert Talbert (Grand Valley State University) discuss their new book, Grading for Growth: A Guide to Alternative Grading Practice That Promote Authentic Learning and Student Engagement in Higher Education. The guests discuss the interplay between grading and assessment, the need for rethinking traditional grading practices, and the four pillars of alternative grading. They also emphasize the importance of intrinsic motivation in learning and share their experiences with student reactions to alternative grading. The episode concludes with the guests offering simple steps that listeners can take to move towards alternative grading in their own courses. Read and engage with them from January 15th, 2024 to February 9th, 2024 at their Perusall Engage Community Book Event. Learn more: perusall.com/engage.

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