RE: Grading Alternative

[Cynthia Nadalini <invenia@guate.net>]

Carlos Mendez and I had to take a decision recently about how to grade our 
students, being fair to them but having to comply with the A, B, C, D 
traditional grading system.  So we decided to do something similar to the 
above, well, it was more like a matrix comparing the level where their 
learning curve stabilized and how the work was done: not all that was 
required (which was classified as bad), just what was required (good) and 
more that what was required (excellent).  So if for example someone's 
learning curve stabilized between 80 and 100 points, which was more or less 
our system's capability, and his/her work was excellent, he/she would have 
an A.  But if someone's curve was always (7 consecutive points) below 
average, depending on his/her work he/she would have a B or C.  And if 
someone's curve was way below the lower control limit, he/she would have a 
D or even an F, depending on the work.  What we found in most of the cases 
was that usually the ones with a higher learning curve (based on test 
scores), were the ones that also made an excellent work (more than was 
required, sometimes even approached us to ask us questions, were having fun 
learning...).  And, as a side note, the ones that needed special help 
(because their learning curve was on the lower side) actually received that 
extra help, and some of them finally cached up and got A's or B's.

Another approach, which I find very education-aim oriented, is the system 
that Myron proposes through his essays on the subject, in which record is 
kept on at what level of knowledge, understanding, etc. is a student at any 
time, and the student knows that he/she's fulfilling his/her learning on a 
certain area when he/she reaches or excels the level required (which has 
been established at the beginning of the year with the input of all 
stakeholders, including students).  Is that right, Myron?

Regards

Cynthia N.
INVENIA
Guatemala, Central America
invenia@guate.net
Phone/Fax: (502) 5946161

[Moderator's Note:  See Myron's essay on Competency Matrices ]
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