In quantitative courses, examinations measure a small portion of the students' subject mastery, and grading is difficult. Take-home examinations test more but their development is difficult. Computer assisted test construction, where a computer generates random data within relative constraints for preprogrammed examination questions, is proposed…

The activities involved in a student production of modern Spanish drama in a University of Toronto course and the links with language learning that make the course a partial language immersion are described. Problems in evaluating the course and student performance are discussed. (MSE)

Argues that student involvement in teacher evaluations, curriculum decisions, and grading processes is absurd. (RL)

Cites the inadequacy of traditional counseling services in helping developmental education students comprehend grading options, registration policies, and other components of the educational bureaucracy. Suggests an academic intervention strategy to correct this situation, incorporating student orientation, systematic monitoring of student…

Reviews the decline of educational standards as reflected in national test scores and discusses four pedagogic causes for this decline: the abandonment of written tests in favor of objective, true/false testing techniques; nonpunitive grading and attendance policies; excessive use of technology in the classroom; and academic grade inflation. (JP)

Grade inflation is defined and the interplay between grading and evaluation are discussed. A solution to the problem of grade inflation is proposed: persuade the faculty members at a number of leading institutions to regard C+/B- as the appropriate median grade. (MLW)

Generally speaking, educational books and journals have continued to support innovations, such as individualized instruction and non-punitive grading, while the nation's news media, television programs and the public itself appear to be disenchanted with the results of the educational establishment's emphasis on affective rather than cognitive…

Argues that college teachers will have an easier and more productive experience with student writing if they make and communicate the distinction between high-stakes and low-stakes assignments and between high- and low-stakes ways of responding to student writing. Specific suggestions are made for communicating assignments and commenting on them.…

Issues in setting academic standards for students in the United Kingdom's university honors curricula are discussed, particularly as they are affected by recent changes in education such as modularization of courses, distance education, and the widening range of skills covered in courses. Some issues are specific to teacher and professional…

This paper describes how one secondary physical education teacher graded her students according to individual levels of accomplishment and minimum performance standards. The plan motivated her students to participate in and enjoy physical activities and to respect physicality, the learning process, and each other. (SM)

A random survey of 208 colleges and universities investigated perceived changes over 10 years in students' use of the academic grievance and due process mechanisms to resolve course evaluation disputes with faculty members. Findings showed increase in the number of academic grievances, suggesting that students are demanding more accountability in…

Analyzed kindergarten report cards from Ohio public schools. Results indicated that there was an emphasis on academic skills and that kindergartners were expected to master skills in work habits and reading and math readiness. A behaviorist perspective was favored. (PCB)

The grading of high school physics students as a function of conceptual versus nonconceptual performance is investigated. The nonconceptual means a routine substitution in equations or direct recall. Students scoring highest on one type of question are far from distinguished on another type of question. (YP)

Discusses using interdisciplinary classroom projects planned jointly by students and teacher in a language arts based gifted program for students in grades K-6. Describes projects based on the study of teddy bears and real bears, publicizing National Children's Book Week, and conducting a study of the students' school and community.(DHP)

Maintains that academia has not escaped the litigious nature of the current U.S. social climate. Cites pivotal U.S. Supreme Court cases on academic judgment and reviews lower court cases where students challenged their assigned grades. Provides suggestions for lessening the likelihood of litigation. (CFR)