Provide plenty of opportunities for assessment. This will avoid unnecessary pressure and allow for some mistakes.
When did grading become a bad thing?
How do I grade fairly and accurately?
(From TEP – the Teacher Effectiveness Program)
- Consider grading based only on mastery of material and not on personalities or perceived-effort.
- Avoid competition between students – this may generate animosities and a poor learning environment.
- Do not overemphasize grades. Emphasize learning over grades.
- Keep students informed of their progress throughout the term.
- Clearly state grading policies and procedures on the syllabus and review them with the class on the first or second day.
- Avoid modifying policies during the term.
- Provide plenty of opportunities for assessment. This will avoid unnecessary pressure and allow for some mistakes.
- Provide some choice in format or topic when assigning work.
- Keep accurate records of grades. Record numerical grades, rather than letter grades, when possible.
- Return the first assignment before the drop/withdrawal deadline.
- Consider allowing rewrites on papers.
- If many do poorly on an exam, schedule an exam for the following week to retest the class.