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Teaching in Higher Ed

The Principles of Grading for Growth

Mar 21, 2024
Robert Talbert discusses the flaws of traditional grading, emphasizing the importance of feedback and growth over labels. He advocates for reattempts without penalty and maintaining dignity in feedback. The podcast explores alternative grading practices to promote authentic learning and student engagement.
35:58

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Traditional grades impact students' self-worth, highlighting the need for authentic feedback loops.
  • Grades should offer helpful feedback, affirm dignity, and allow reattempts without penalty for growth.

Deep dives

The Practice of Grading for Growth

Grading for Growth, co-authored by Robert Talbert and David Clark, promotes alternative grading practices that enhance authentic learning and student engagement in higher education. Talbert shares personal experiences like the emotional impact of grading as a student, highlighting the intertwined nature of grades and self-worth. The book explores how traditional grading systems are disconnected from effective feedback loops, leading to student frustration and anxiety. Talbert recommends clear content standards, offering helpful feedback, providing meaningful progress indicators, and allowing reattempts without penalty as essential components of alternative grading.

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