Full course description
Course Description
This digital course, called Alternative Grading , will guide you through the principles and practices of alternative grading and explore how they can support student learning. You'll examine common alternative grading approaches, reflect on your own grading practices, and identify strategies that fit your course context. Through examples, reflection, and practical resources, you'll examine how grading practices shape student learning and motivation. You'll leave this course with a deeper understanding of alternative grading, examples from higher education, and practical ideas for experimenting with grading in ways that align with your teaching goals.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this digital course, you will be able to:
- Reflect on the purpose of grades.
- Identify the 4 pillars of alternative grading.
- Describe the differences between three major alternative grading strategies.
- Consider how to experiment (in big or small ways) with your own grading.
Content
- The Purpose of Grades
- The 4 Pillars of Alternative Grading
- Examples of Alternative Grading
- How to Get Started with Alternative Grading
Expectations
This digital course consists of 4 lessons, which altogether should take approximately 60-90 minutes to complete. Additional resources or tips for further exploration are provided at the end of each lesson. Each lesson culminates in a knowledge check to confirm what you have learned and to enable you to move on to the next lesson.
Intended Audience
UMD faculty, staff, and graduate students
Digital Badge
By completing this course, you will earn your Alternative Grading micro-credential. To receive recognition for your efforts, simply explore each page and tackle all knowledge checks within this course.
This badge is an exciting step towards earning your Innovative Assessment Practitioner meta-credential from the TLTC’s Teaching Academy.
UMD Users Only