Grading as a Teaching and Feedback Mechanism: Involving Students in the Grading Process

Abstract

The experiment reported here represents an effort to design a method which combines grading and feedback in such a way that they become contributing parts to the learning process. After taking an essay exam, students participated in the development of guidelines which the professor would use in grading the exam. A procedure was developed whereby (a) appropriate key answers were assured, (b) agreement and acceptance of "correct” answers were obtained, and (c) feedback and questioning focused on content. Participation increased in general course sessions as well as exam process; attitudes improved; grade levels rose; and overall interaction between faculty and students progressed.