The effectiveness of practical examinations in assessing the clinical competence of dental students is discussed. A grading system that derives a significant portion of the senior student's grade from this type of examination is described. The impact of practical clinical examinations on two consecutive graduating classes was analyzed. (Author/MLW)

Argues for a student assessment based on the goals of the course. In this way, the assessment is democratic, resulting from a very clear understanding on everyone's part of what has to be done to obtain a satisfactory assessment. (HOD)

Discusses requirements in a business communication course that force students to become responsible for correct spelling. (AEA)

Specific teaching practices are suggested to help teachers achieve better relationships with students, clarify expectations, and minimize grade appeals. They include statement of standards, commitment to enforcing them, clarifying the grading method, concrete responses to student questions about grading, quantifying all grades, keeping good…

A model course in legislative drafting meant to increase writing abilities and to apply analytical skills is described. Course assignment sheets and problems and checklist/grading sheet are provided. (Available from: Dennis & Co., Inc., 251 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, $4.00) (Author/MLW)

Details are given of a program designed to facilitate record-keeping and grade averaging for college teachers. It is designed to run on a TRS-80, Model 1 microcomputer with at least one diskette drive. The program listing is included. (MP)

Reports the findings of a case study aimed at determining if professionalism would affect the behavior of junior high school teachers (N=22) who were adopting a new procedure for evaluating student performance and reporting it to parents. Concludes that educational bureaucracy limits the influence of professionalism. (DC)

Describes a group project teaching technique that was used to teach a college-level social research methods course. Students, working in small groups, planned an original study, developed an instrument, and gathered data to test their hypotheses. Lectures and readings also comprised an important part of the course. (SR)

As a student at Mercer University (Georgia) from 1888-91, William Kilpatrick observed that teachers and pupils stood in opposition to each other and that cheating was a "natural process." The granting of honors was viewed by Kilpatrick as detrimental and as a way of pitting students against each other. Kilpatrick also advocated the…

Compares the traditional method of composition grading, marginal comments, with a more recent technique, comments on cassette tape. (HOD)

This study designed a criterion-referenced format for scoring subjective student tasks in science education courses and gathered student opinion on the acceptability of the scoring technique. A sample and results of a preservice teacher survey are supplied. (MP)

Assignments, grading methods, and classroom techniques for teaching creative writing in the high schools. (RL)

A single-letter grade, the traditional method of reporting the performance of student teachers, does not adequately reflect the strengths and weaknesses of vocational students' abilities to teach both content and skills. A criterion-referenced approach can provide a more descriptive record of each student teacher's competencies. (CT)

Explains the scaling procedure used to derive final marks awarded at the matriculation chemistry entrance examination. Also explains changes in "status" of grades for pursuing subsequent university chemistry courses. (CS)

Contrary to previous research, grading standards did not affect student achievement. The effect of standards on ratings was significant but not consistent for types of ratings (instructor expressiveness, lecture content), instructors, or differences in standards. Under certain conditions, higher grades either adversely affected ratings or had no…