Truth in Grading Disclosure

Steve Greenlaw published a brief meditation on grading today. This is a topic I’ve wrestled with ever since taking my courses on assessment design and psychometrics as a graduate student. Allow me to suggest, tongue in cheek, that perhaps our course syllabi are in need of a Truth in Grading Disclosure. It could come right after the section about grading, like this:

Grading

Your course grade will be determined as follows:

  • 10% Attendance
  • 10% Participation in Class Discussion
  • 20% In-Class Presentation
  • 30% Team Project
  • 30% Mid-term and Final Exam

Truth in Grading Disclosure

By means of this Truth in Grading Disclosure, I openly and honestly acknowledge that it is impossible to pass this course by mastering the course content.

  • 10% of your grade will be awarded based on your ability to show up at a certain place at a certain time.
  • 10% of your grade will be awarded based on your ability to get a word in edgewise amongst your very talkative peers.
  • 20% of your grade will be awarded based on your visual design skills in Powerpoint and your public speaking ability.
  • 30% of your grade will be awarded based on your ability to manage the time, efforts, and quality of contributions made by classmates over whom you have literally no control.
  • 30% of your grade will be awarded based on your understanding of economics, as determined using two multiple choice exams administered by the University Testing Center.