This article describes a holistic, discourse-based method for assessing the critical thinking skills of undergraduate senior-level finance majors. Rejecting a psychometric assessment approach in which component features of critical thinking are disaggregated, this study is based on a holistic scoring of student memos. Students were asked to…

Adopts a holistic approach to grading, using seven foundation concepts that are essential to every business communication, regardless of genre. Argues that such assignments more clearly simulate the response of supervisors, clients, customers, and other readers in the business world. (SG)

Advocates a holistic method for evaluating assignments. Notes how the system reflects the evaluation procedures used in business for determining the success of a written communication by assigning numbers (0,1, or 2) for unacceptable, acceptable, and excellent work respectively. Explains that this system not only reduces the time commitment of…