This course presents the student with a performance approach to biology. Each technique is covered in standard lecture format and in guided, independent laboratories. Examinations and grading are competency-based and require knowledge of both the use and limitations of the techniques. (BB)

Describes four principles to help engineering faculty facilitate high rates of learning: (1) Objective Based Instruction; (2) Absolute Criterion-Referenced Grading Standard; (3) Varied Learning Strategies; and (4) Flexible Time Frames. Illustrates several teaching/learning systems that facilitate the effective applications of these principles. (SK)

Describes the inadequacies of the present grading system and offers a new model, based upon intrinsic rather than extrinsic evaluation. Attempts to root this intrinsic evaluation system in a standard which is more clearcut than the letter-grade model and therefore less subject to grade inflation. (Editor/RK)

Discusses the design of online scoring software for computer-based education supporting high psychometric and fairness standards. Describes a system from the point of view of graders and supervisors; the design of the underlying database; data integrity and confidentiality; and the advantages of database design and online grading. (PEN)

With the rapid advance of stand-alone e-learning systems, we believe a sharable and interoperable portal platform capable of integrating various existing learning systems is critical for the future development of e-learning systems. We highlight two problems as the root causes for current ineffective sharing of learning resources: learning object…

The Alberta Essay Scales were developed to assist teachers in the grading of essays. They represent a standard based on written compositions at the 12th grade level in 1964 to be compared with current composition writing achievement. A scale for mechanics in English and one for writing style and content are defined through model essays and…

The monograph is a complete outline for a program designed to help English departments institute logical and fair procedures for grading student essays. The contents in this monograph include "Factors in Judgments of Writing Ability,""The Effect of Bias,""Measuring Improvement in Writing,""Personal vs Staff Grading,""Standard Scores for Test…

This paper discusses approaches to grading students that are being used or could be used in state universities in East Africa. Grade assignment usually means that some kind of comparison is being made, whether with other students or established standards or based on improvement and ability. For the most part, university regulations encourage and…

Discusses general principles of language testing, stressing objectivity and reliability as the key terms. However, maintains that it is impossible to obtain a direct measure of linguistic competence and consequently questions the value of standard grading procedures. Instead, proposes an evaluation system based on the achievement of specific…

Describes a quarterly rating system developed to replace daily grading in a dental school with a competency-based educational model. Presents results from an early administration of the ratings. These results, for 126 students, show excellent face validity and rater consistency and satisfy the school's standard for grade defensibility. (SLD)

Describes a grading system used in a college composition class that shifts the focus away from letter grades and toward continuous student progress. Describes how it is based on a personalized, flexible standard that challenges each student's particular skills as a writer, and encourages real improvement in student writing. (SR)

Offers an economics-based explanation for grade divergence, hypothesizing that departments manage enrollments by "pricing" their courses with grading standards commensurate with the market benefits of their courses as measured by expected incomes. Analyzes grade divergence using a survey of college graduates by the National Center for Education…

This book presents ideas to help middle and high school physical education (PE) teachers develop performance based assessments. The book: identifies problems in traditional PE and explains how using performance based assessment can improve student learning; notes that it is unnecessary to totally rewrite the PE program, offering guidelines for…

Continuous student assessment in Britain's Open University courses is based on CMAs (computer-marked assignments) and TMAs (tutor-marked assignments). To insure common standards are applied by all tutors, TMAs are monitored by two methods: staff inspection and statistical procedure. Use of the latter for standardizing grading is described fully…

A proficiency test became the exit requirement for the noncredit, basic English course at the University of New Orleans because the program was not working well. There were inconsistencies in grading, and students who managed to pass the course later foundered in the credit courses. Obviously, the teachers needed to cooperate to raise the goals of…