I thought this was an interesting blog post from Mark Barnes about the use of narrative feedback in lieu of grades in the classroom. He offers some thoughtful commentary on why he has adopted this method, and notes that even with 120 students, he would never go back to using grades. Grades are probably not going anywhere any time soon, but I have found that, especially with Google Docs, I can provide students with much more feedback than with hand-written or Microsoft Word assignments. With my AP U.S. History students, I have them peer editing a long term essay that each of them is writing on the development of the United States and how their perception of the nation has changed over the course of the year as we study the history of the country.
De-Grade Your Classroom
Interesting article and compelling argument against grades.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a real winning strategy, but I am surprised in my small sample (known as my English class) that students do not take me up on this. Given the chance to submit their writing as many times as they want for feedback (I won't give a "grade," only feedback), only one student submitted their work ahead and she did it three times. It seems your students are buying into this idea -- how do you pitch it to them?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
ReplyDeleteI love these no grade people! I have worked with some of them in Belgium. But, I think you can do both-- and removing grades is disingenuous. It only works if students also know they will get good grades-- and they get great grades when they buy in.
ReplyDeleteOnce a week, I like to grade on the spot for homework. Instead of "checking HW" I will walk around, review their paragraphs and grade at once, putting down a grade immediately. No more wimpy check/ check minus/ check plus plus!!!This has gotten them to vastly improve the quality and quantity of their homework production. If they think I have been overly hasty, they can challenge me ( and do). I wish I thought of this years ago.