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A New Perspective on A New Perspective on GradingGrading

Laurie WernerAssociate Professor of Computer and Information TechnologyMiami University

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Introduction Introduction

Grading is a complex processOur grading methods communicate to our

students what is important for them to learn from us

We can use grades to motivate students to “learn while they earn their grades”

We can improve the accuracy of evaluating student work in computing courses

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AgendaAgenda

Discuss the benefits of providing students with their “grade as of today”

Discuss the advantages of using a cumulative points method of grading

Brief view of how to produce a public grade book

Present some ideas about grading/project evaluation methods in skills courses

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Benefits of making grades Benefits of making grades readily available to studentsreadily available to studentsTimely feedback for studentsTeaches students that everything countsHelps set high expectations of studentsImproves course managementImproves accuracy of grades

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Advantages of using an Advantages of using an accumulated points modelaccumulated points modelFor the instructorFor the studentAs a learning tool

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Advantages for the InstructorAdvantages for the Instructor

Flexibility – Number and pertinence of evaluation

instruments can vary throughout the semester– Short in-class activities can be assigned points

when students’ attention wanes on a topicSimplified final grade calculationStudents are less likely to ask “are we

doing anything important today” on a non-test day because activities are worth points

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Advantages for StudentsAdvantages for Students

Good or poor performance in one area can offset performance in another area

Poor performance early in the course is not devastatingly discouraging.

No one evaluation carries too much weightStudents can decide where to put their

efforts

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Learning toolLearning tool

Consistent performance pays off for the student

Teach what we are grading– Use our experience to modify engaging

activities throughout the semester– Grading the activities communicates the

importance of the topic to the studentsGrading can give students a sense of control

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The Public Grade BookThe Public Grade BookCsa283GradesForPosting.xlsTips

– Generate an ID numberExcel formula int((rand()*9000)+1000)VolatileCopy using Paste Special – Values

– Possible points row– Add a blank column to maintain sum formula

Post on a network drive that allows students to download or copy

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Next Step – Evaluating Information Next Step – Evaluating Information Technology SkillsTechnology SkillsAccurate Assessment is important to our

studentsEvaluating problem solving skills is a

challengeMethods have been proposed for sciences,

but may not fit ITHow do we assess problem solving skills

and facilitate student growth in problem solving in an IT setting?

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SummarySummary

Grading can be a valuable learning toolHypothesis:

– We can use a grading methodology to not only assess problem solving ability but to improve that skill in our students