Ungrading Traffic Light
In Spring-On-Call this semester, we are reading Ungrading: Why Rating Students Undermines Learning. A guiding principle rising to the surface is that ungrading is not an all or nothing philosophy. In fact, most faculty must assign traditional grades in some fashion (even if just final grades). That does not mean how we arrive at these grades must be founded in a rigid points or weights system.
In the spirit of making "small teaching moves" - you may opt try a small ungrading experiment in a course to see how it feels for you and your students. If you feel compelled to refresh the way you assess student work (and experience all of the other benefits of ungrading), check out our Ungrading Traffic Light infographic below.
Ungrading Traffic Light
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Ungrading Traffic Light
Shifting focus to feedback
Identify Objectives
Identify the objectives or critical competencies aligned with an assignment and share them with students early and often.
Assess Assignments with Red, Yellow, or Green
Green = achieves objectives
Yellow = developing competency + assignment may be revised and resubmitted
Red = does not meet criteria + assignment may be revised and resubmitted after conferencing with the instructor to review assignment feedback
Use a Custom Grade Symbol
Use custom symbols/grade schemes in the LMS grade book to avoid displaying traditional numerical or letter grades.
Provide Wise/Warm Feedback
Wise Feedback builds trust between the student and instructor. This approach provides constructive criticism, reinforces your use of high standards, and assures the student you believe they are capable of meeting these standards.
EX. "I am giving you this feedback because I have high standards and I know that you can meet them."
Encourage Students to Document Revisions
Ask students to explain how they addressed feedback when they submit revised work.