I used specifications grading in both classes I taught this semester. One I came up with from scratch, the other was adapted from work by Kate McKnelly, Michael Morris, and Steve Mang (DOI link to paper). The writing intensive course (Writing & Presentation of Chemistry) is the course I’m using for the micro credential final […]
Spring 23 Semester Reflection – Writing Class Read More »
When I first started considering alternative grading, my focus was on how the approach would impact students. While that’s no longer a major motivating factor for me, I think a discussion on students is still important. It’s important to note that I consider students to be adults. Do they make bad decisions? Yes. Do I
Spring 23 Semester Reflection – Student Impact Read More »
I’m pursuing a micro credential at my institution and these blog posts are my submission for the final requirement. I also want to get better at actually reflecting on my semesters so I can stop relearning things. I hope if you’re curious about specifications grading (specs grading) or alternative grading in general, you’ll find something
Spring 23 Semester Reflection – Specifications Grading & Tokens Read More »
Quick Recap In case reading the slow fall requires more time than you have, I’ll summarize things for you here. I attempted to use specifications grading for the first time in general chemistry lab 2. Approximately 3 weeks before the semester ended, several Rutgers unions called a strike. As graduate students, aka some of my
How Do You Solve A Problem Like Sp23 Chem Lab Read More »
Every time I try a new grading system, there comes a point, usually at the end of the term, where I realize all the mistakes I’ve made. This could be unanticipated ways of avoiding all the hard assignments and getting an A in the course (my first attempt at contract grading) or how much software
Watching Your Grading System Crash & Burn: Specifications Grading Edition Read More »