What Does an A Mean? Variation in Grading Criteria in College and University Courses

• In Event: Roundtable Session 11
  In Roundtable Session: Assessment Methods and Use of Results

Abstract

The current study examined the variation among college and university instructors in their use of product, process, and progress criteria in assigning course grades. We collected 200 syllabi (100 from universities and 100 from four-year colleges) from five academic disciplines (Education, Math, Science, Psychology, and English) and gauged the extent to which faculty members use these different criteria in assigning grades in introductory level courses. Further, we sought to determine if the use of these criteria varies among different academic disciplines and institutions. The results revealed significant differences among the five disciplines as well as among academic institutions. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Authors

• Anastasiya A. Lipnevich, Queens College - CUNY

• Thomas R. Guskey, University of Kentucky