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GSI Teaching & Resource Center
University of California, Berkeley
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Introduction to Grading
Grading is not simply a matter of bestowing isolated number or letter grades. It is a process that may involve some or all of these activities:
- setting effective assignments
- establishing standards and criteria
- setting curves
- making decisions about effort and improvement
- deciding which comments would be the most useful in guiding each student's learning
- designing assignments and exams that promote the course objectives
- assessing student learning and teaching effectiveness
Effective grading requires an understanding of how grading may function as a tool for learning, an acceptance that some grades will be based on subjective criteria, and a willingness to listen to and communicate with students. It is important to help students to focus on the learning process rather than on "getting the grade," while at the same time acknowledging the importance that grades hold for students. And, since GSIs are students themselves, to balance the requirements of effective grading with other workload and professional commitments.
Effective Grading Links:
- Introduction
- Designing Assignments
- Establishing Standards and Criteria
- The Grading Process
- Efficient Grading
- Writing Comments
- Example Papers
- Returning Graded Papers
Teaching Resources Links:
- Creating Ground Rules for Discussion Sections
- Using Group Work in Discussion Sections
- Strategies for Variety in the Classroom
- Developing Critical Reading Skills
- How to Teach Lab Sections
- Award-winning Teaching Ideas (Teaching Effectiveness Award Essays)
- Theories of Learning
- Dealing with and Preventing Academic Dishonesty
- Grading Students' Written Work
- Understanding & Using Instructional Technology
- Five Ways to Improve Your Teaching
- How to Write a Letter of Recommendation
- Campus Resources
- FAQs
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