Grading Evidence in Schools

Eric Demoncheaux, PhDBattle Abbey School

Objectives

1. Describe the practice of “evidence-based learning”

2. Discuss the presentation and classification of evidence

3. Discuss grading of evidence and integration into our teaching practice

What is“evidence-based

learning?”

Two fundamental questions…

• What is the purpose of learning?• How do I decide what to do in class?

You have to know where you’re going before deciding how to get there…

What is the purpose of learning?

Improving the quality of students’ lives…

What is evidence-based learning?

Evidence based learning is the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the learning needs of individual students.

Classification of evidence

How do I decide what to do?

“…use of current best evidence…”

Meta-AnalysisStudents questionnaires

Case StudiesTests

Anecdotes

More systematic observation ► better evidence

Integrating evidence & practice

What type of outcome measures?

• Types of learners, LDDs, G&Ts• Age groups• Students-oriented outcomes:– Value Added– Attainment

Student or Subject oriented?

• Student-Oriented Outcomes. – Grades, value added– May or may not reflect improvement in student outcomes.

• Subject-Oriented Outcomes. – Outcomes that matter to students and help them better

their lives

Systems applications

In short… EBL is the conscientious, explicit,

and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the learning needs of

individual students.

EvidenceSystematic observation =

high-quality evidence

Students-oriented evidencepreferable to

Raw gradepreferable to

Any other surrogate markers