Presents research that validates and refines a computerized system for grading placement exams. Compares computerized ratings to holistic scores, grades earned in courses, and other measures. Calls for additional research on larger populations and greater numbers of textual traits. (HB)

A survey of all 16 Canadian medical schools found that 15 provided some ethics education. Time allocated ranged from 10-45 hours per degree, with no discernible pattern of distribution across years. Most teaching was case based and issue oriented, most instructors were physicians, and most schools used a pass-fail standard. (Author/MSE)

This study is the National Board of Medical Examiners exploration of content-based techniques (standard-setting techniques in which pass/fail decisions are based upon the performance of examinees in relation to test content). Two content-based techniques (Angoff and Ebel) and three methods of evaluating examinee performance were studied. (MLW)

College faculty can minimize problems in grading students' cooperative projects by carefully structuring the five basic elements of formal cooperative learning groups: positive interdependence; individual and group accountability; face-to-face promotive interaction; teamwork skills; and group processing. There must also be sufficient reason for…

Japanese teachers participating in a workshop activity shared observations about U.S. schools. Teachers saw American schools' disciplinary procedures as stricter and more punitive than their own, marveled at principals' visibility and students' attention to attire, and noted that strict grading practices conflicted with instructional creativity…

Application of game theory to small-group project evaluation in higher education instruction finds that the best strategy for students wishing high grades may not be a strategy that promotes teamwork and cooperation. Suggests that putting students into groups may randomly disadvantage some students relative to others, producing serious unfairness…

The effects of gender bias and number of errors as unintentional determinants of essay grades were studied with 22 undergraduate education majors grading four essays by sixth graders in stereotypically male or female handwriting. Essays believed to be written by boys were graded higher than those believed to be written by girls regardless of…

One university's use of peer evaluation to develop fair and reliable distribution of grades for group projects is described, and its adaptation to the specific requirements of civil engineering is examined. Results suggest the evaluation model is transferable to this discipline. In particular, use of student journals for grade allocation was found…

There is no contradiction between effective standards-based instruction and differentiation. Curriculum tells teachers what to teach; differentiation tells how. Teachers can challenge all learners by providing standards-based materials and tasks calling for varied difficulty levels, scaffolding, instructional styles, and learning times. (MLH)

Provides four rules on grading for new teaching assistants: (1) set clear standards, and make them known; (2) apply the same standards to everyone; (3) stand firm when you are right, admit when you are wrong; and (4) take your students seriously. (CMK)

A study evaluated the effectiveness of a collaborative model for making grading adaptations. Parents, students, general educators, and special educators collaborated to develop and implement personalized grading plans for four middle school students. All participants perceived the process to be more fair and effective than adaptations used…

Warns against the declining standards of the Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. history examination and the AP program. Focuses on the problems that occur in maintaining high standards and the practive of teaching to the test in AP courses. Discusses who does grade and who should grade the AP examinations. (CMK)

To include students with more severe disabilities, a California high school devised a buddy system, facilitated collaboration among special-education staff, matched students with appropriate teachers, and used grading and curriculum adaptation. A sidebar describes how functional behavioral assessment can help students gain control. (MLH)

Suggests various methods to ensure quality assessment of distance learning. Discusses making student evaluation forms applicable to each course; surveys exposing weaknesses; assessing grades and grades as assessment factors; weighing in the attrition rate; inherent aspects of distance learning that provide means of assessment; and making virtual…

Traditional grading systems use numerals in a manner equivalent to psychological measurement, and encounter many of the problems associated with psychological measurement, particularly in aggregating grades to obtain a single score. Problems are illustrated by a university's grading system for 1,039 students in a first-year psychology course.…