Grading profiles for formative and summative assessment in a British nursing school were designed with criterion referencing to improve validity and interrater and intercourse reliability. Assessment was conceptualized as an ethical activity that clarifies expectations through specification of criteria. (SK)

Discusses the four-week summer Memphis (Tennessee) Urban Writing Institute, during which a furor erupted over the dilemma of grading. Provide a number of approaches to grading students' writing, including minimalist grading, cassette grading, collaborative grading, and portfolio grading. Suggests that teachers consider the grading dilemma and…

In a study of criteria for and reliability of grading of college essays in introductory psychology, 16 essays were marked by 12 faculty and 20 graduate students. Analysis found that two content attributes (facts, examples) accounted for 82% of variance in grading by faculty, while five stylistic measures accounted for the remainder. Both faculty…

Compared semester grade point averages (GPAs) among students taking courses at an American university in Europe, where about half of students are degree-seeking, and the other half are study abroad students. Found that students taking the classes for a grade rather than as pass/fail have higher semester GPAs. This suggests that study abroad…

Investigated the effects of boredom/fatigue on Israeli junior high school teachers' evaluation of students' written compositions. Teachers graded 31 papers, placed in sequential order, which had received a grade of 80 percent from three experts. They graded the papers in one sitting. Scores teachers gave to papers they graded earlier were…

Examinations were analyzed using the Rasch model to determine differences in judge severity and grading period stringency for (1) essay examination (subjects were 12 judges and 32 examinees); (2) clinical examination (subjects were 18 judges and 217 examinees); and (3) oral examination (subjects were 46 judges and 270 examinees). (SLD)

Describes a composition course in which students questioned their placement in remedial instruction based upon holistic evaluation of a single essay. Notes that, when students were assigned to judge the same essays, results correlated closely with the earlier evaluations. Suggests that the exercise made students more open to peer response and…

The study found that use of the computerized Classroom Assistant Networking System to monitor and score student responses in an elementary special education resource room substantially decreased teacher time spent on record keeping. Addition of an electronic gradebook, however, did not increase efficiency over a conventional gradebook in this…

Friedman's (1987) immediate feedback, no return test technique was evaluated via student ratings. Students were enthusiastic in their assessment of the technique and believed that it facilitated their learning. (Author)

This study compared the reliability and validity indexes of randomly parallel tests administered under inclusion, exclusion, and correction for guessing directions, using 54 graduate students. It also compared the criterion-referenced grading decisions based on the different scoring methods. (TJH)

A kindergarten teacher used portfolio assessment with her students. After researching portfolios, she compiled a list of components for her classes and began the school year. She found that students were enthusiastic about portfolios, parents felt portfolios told more than report cards, and she could better see student growth. (Author/SM)

Explores the benefits of using a voice-graded writing approach, which offers instructors an opportunity to engage in virtual office critiquing of student assignments. (SR)

Discussion of team teaching focuses on librarians team teaching a course on information search strategy at the Pennsylvania State Berks Campus Library. Course requirements are described, planning for the course is discussed, grading practices are reviewed, and course and instructor evaluations are described. (two references) (LRW)

Reports a study comparing Illinois high school band and choral directors' grading systems with systems proposed by principals. Concludes that principals placed more value on cognitive criteria and performance technique but less on concert attendance and behavior than did directors. Suggests that music educators develop course and grading systems…

An anthropology professor required students to compose essay questions that they felt summarized the principal issues and objectives of the course, based on lecture content. In the final examination, students were given several of their own questions to answer. Students felt they learned more from this format. (MSE)