The experiment described was designed to evaluate the possible effects on students in a small seminar of an evaluation system in which students were freed from some of the pressures of the conventional grading system and allowed to participate in the grading process, and to determine whether such participation would affect the acquisition of…

Black graduate students rated 12- and 13-year old students' writing. On negative writing samples, raters manifested high racial bias in favor of Blacks against Orientals and Whites. There was little evidence of racial bias with neutral writing; and on positive writing, bias was sex-directed rather than racial. (Author/RD)

Suggests ways for the instructor to turn evaluation into an open-ended transaction with the student writer rather than a final pronouncement. Suggests that teachers should ask questions of the writer to clarify the rhetorical situation and goal, give the student one piece of advice per paper, and help the student set a reasonable goal for each…

The background of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute experiential program, how it was established, and how it currently operates are described. The Major Qualifying Project and the Interactive Qualifying Project, faculty roles and administrative structures, the humanities and evaluation of the program are discussed. (MLW)

Describes a study in which two types of testing were used in an engineering course to determine significant differences in evaluating student performance. Results were not conclusive. (RT)

Presents the Wilkinson Scales for writing assessment and shows how one eighth grade student's essay, using the scales, can be evaluated for grammatical and mechanical problems without devaluing the emotion that went into its composition. (JC)

An annotated bibliography that surveys a variety of pedagogical literature and includes articles proposing ideas, techniques, strategies, and innovations most recommended by instructors of large classes is provided. (MLW)

Maintains that television network news has the capacity to graphically illuminate on-going events which demand sociological explanation. Shows how segments of network news were incorporated into a humanistic sociology course in order to provide students with clear and concise images of social problems. (JDH)

Describes assessment techniques for accommodating various facets of the process approach to teaching writing. Includes rating scales, self-evaluations, peer evaluations, holistic scoring, and team grading. (EL)

Examines recent literature focusing on the achievement of poverty students at inner city schools. Discusses the implications of findings in the areas of (1) student grouping and individualization for instructional purposes, (2) learning time for basic skills, (3) grading practices, (4) discipline, (5) grade structure, and (6) differences…

The American system of grading is criticized by a British educator as heavily goal- and test-oriented. Problems arising from use of grade contracts at a large state university for students studying in England are discussed, including student expectations and study habits, differing assessment methods and criteria, and exploitation of faculty. (MSE)

If you've ever questioned the logic of reducing a student's entire academic performance to a single test score or a vague letter grade, then here's a book that will revolutionize the way you think about assessment and grading. Drawing from years of in-depth research, Robert J. Marzano provides you with guidelines and steps for designing a…

This study was conducted at College of the Canyons (COC), California, in spring 2002 by the Office of Institutional Development and Technology, along with Communications Studies instructor Victoria Leonard. Eighty-three class sections were surveyed to determine the degree to which students agreed or disagreed that their course syllabus clearly…

This collection is intended to help teachers encourage active learning by involving students in classroom learning and to encourage teachers to cultivate critical thinking through thought-provoking questions. The readings include: (1) "The Dreaded Discussion: Ten Ways To Start" (Peter Frederick); (2) "Classroom Structures Which Encourage Student…

This book is designed to help educators consider how assessment relates to instruction and recognize how assessment affects student learning. It intends to encourage teachers to establish a climate in which students can safely seek and use assessment information. A basic assumption is that learning occurs best in a positive setting, one that…