This study was conducted to determine reactions of 213 colleges and universities to an experimental program modifying existing letter grade evaluations given for all courses. (Author)

The benefits and weaknesses of mastery grading and grading on a curve are examined. (DE)

If pass/fail and other nontraditional grading systems are to remain a part of the academic process, other evaluative methods must be adopted (professional recommendations and comprehensive exams) so that students are not short-changed when applying for entry into the marketplace or further education. (Author PG)

FROM INFORMATION OBTAINED BY QUESTIONNAIRES FROM 20 OF 25 PROVOSTS OR ACADEMIC VICE-PRESIDENTS, THIS SURVEY REPORT OUTLINES MAIN FEATURES OF THE PASS-FAIL OPTION AS OFFERED AT NINE COLLEGES OR UNIVERSITIES AND THE EXTENT TO WHICH SUCH AN OPTION IS BEING CONSIDERED BY OTHER SCHOOLS. WHILE CONSIDERABLE VARIATION IN SPECIFIC PASS-FAIL PROGRAMS IS…

This report presents the results of a study that was undertaken to identify student attitudes toward the Pass-Fail (P-F) option at the University of Washington. A questionnaire designed to assess student opinions toward and possible behavioral changes resulting from P-F courses was sent to a random sample of sophomores, juniors and seniors…

In the Spring of 1968, a joint study group called an Ad Hoc Committee on Grades and Evaluation was created to examine current methods of student evaluation. Several members of the group believed that letter grading on the undergraduate and graduate levels was counterproductive, because grades do not accurately reflect either student performance or…

This study investigated whether pass-fail elective options at the undergraduate level will encourage education majors to break away from previous patterns of elective choice and choose more courses in various scientific and mathematical disciplines. Two hundred sixty-three education students at Queens College of the City University of New York…

The Office of Institutional Research conducted an evaluation of the Pass-No Pass (P-N) grading system at the University of Wisconsin-Stephens Point. The second semester, 1971-72, was chosen for the basis of evaluation. Sources of information include student records, a brief questionnaire sent to students who chose at least one P-N course, and a…

Experience with the pass/fail system at the University of Alberta and a review of the literature has shown that (1) pass/fail does not seem to motivate the student to learn; (2) students do not use it as a vehicle to explore outside their major; and (3) students do fewer of the assigned readings and attend fewer classes in courses elected under…

A test is administered at the end of a unit. On the basis of test performance mastery status is awarded or withheld. An optimum decision rule is fomulated in terms of degree of success in a referral task. (HG)

The author attacks student activism, faculty tenure, pass-fail grading, antiquated administrative structures, institutional management, and lack of educational accountability. (HS)

Briefly reviews research on student attitudes toward pass-fail grading and describes a study of 471 undergraduates to determine the factors which affect a student's choice between the traditional A-F grading system and the pass-fail alternative in a non-major college science course. (PR)