Jesse Stommel, education expert, discusses the concept of ungrading and unlearning in higher education. They explore the challenges, motivations, and complexities of alternative grading methods, emphasizing intentional pedagogy. The speakers also discuss the impact of AI on teacher-student relationships and the purpose of education. Additionally, they reflect on title selection, accessibility, and share book recommendations.
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Quick takeaways
Ungrading and unlearning the traditional grading system leads to a more effective and compassionate approach to teaching and learning.
Expanding the conversation around motivation in education, acknowledging the coexistence of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
Deep dives
The Power of Undoing Grades
In this podcast episode, Jesse Stommel discusses the importance of undoing grades and how it can lead to a more effective and compassionate approach to teaching and learning. Stommel emphasizes the need to dismantle the traditional grading system and reexamine its practicality and philosophical implications. He highlights the concept of unlearning and reflects on his own journey of unlearning the deeply embedded norms of academia. Stommel also explores the role of institutions in shaping grading practices and the challenges of navigating the power dynamics within educational systems.
The Complexity of Motivation and Ungrading
The conversation delves into the intersection of motivation and ungrading. Stommel challenges the idea of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation as polar opposites, emphasizing that they often coexist. He discusses the need to foster intrinsic motivation while acknowledging the persistence of extrinsic motivation within educational settings. Stommel also explores the complexities of ungrading and the nuances of grading practices, reflecting on the balancing act of centering and de-centering grades in the learning process.
The Narrative of Cheating and the Conversation around AI
Stommel delves into the conversation around cheating and its emotional implications for students and educators. He highlights the significance of examining the narrative around cheating and the power dynamics it entails. The discussion then moves to the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Stommel encourages a deeper exploration of the underlying questions that arise from the conversation surrounding AI, emphasizing that it ultimately prompts a reevaluation of the purpose of education and the role of teachers.
Looking Back and Looking Forward
The episode concludes by reflecting on the importance of looking back to understand the history of conversations surrounding grading and progressive education. Stommel recommends exploring the works of influential educators such as Virginia Woolf and John Dewey. The conversation also touches on the power dynamics and conservatism that can hinder pedagogical transformation. Stommel encourages embracing the idea of being fumbling towards pedagogy, understanding that there is no one right way and that continuous reflection and consideration are key.
Jesse Stommel shares about Undoing the Grade on episode 483 of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast.
Quotes from the episode
For us to be talking about something like unlearning or ungrading, there’s an irony in that because we are the people who need to do that work the most and the people for whom that work is probably the hardest.
-Jesse Stommel
The only wrong way to do something is to do it unintentionally, to do it in a way that isn’t carefully thinking through what we’re doing.
-Jesse Stommel