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Creating a Grading SystemTips for Building a System of Accountability for Students
How can students become accountable for their test grades, quizzes, homework? A grading system helps students see that grades are also a reflection of their own efforts.
All students want to get good grades, but the question is: how can you implement a grading system of accountability to help students become better achievers? Before you even begin to a calculate student's grade, you need to create a grading system where students become accountable for their own progress. Giving students grades for the sake of completing their requirements is one thing, but helping them see the connection between effort and grades helps them become more accountable for their progress. Inform Students of the Grading Procedures of AssessmentFirst off, students should know the criteria for receiving grades in your class. This means writing the components of the grade (ie. homework, tests, quizzes, etc.) on the board for them and the percentage for each. You might have already decided on these areas with your staff or you may have a school policy which affects how this is done. Some teachers invite students to become more involved in the grading system by deciding on the weight of the grading components or allowing them to choose the work they feel best reflects their progress and effort. For example, students can choose three of their highest quiz grades to be calculated into their final grade. There are also areas of alternative assessment that can be calculated into the final grade. The most important thing to remember however, is to choose a system that will create the least amount of stress for both you and your students if possible, and is also the most manageable to maintain. Grading FoldersKeep a grading folder or binder containing each student's grades for tests, quizzes, projects, classwork, homework, tests, etc. For developing student accountability, you can hand to each student a chart containing their grades for that semester and they can start to become accountable by writing in their own grades as they receive them. Over time, they can begin to identify areas of progress and where they need to improve. Have Periodic Grading Review SessionsHelp students see the relationship between effort and outcome by conducting period grading review sessions. If you do this quite frequently, you'll find that you will have fewer angry and/or frustrated students. Occasionally, you'll need a plan for dealing with students whose grade is on the line. But for the more general grade related issues, you can starting by asking the following questions:
Conduct Mini Student-Teacher SessionsWay before you hand back students' final or individual grades, conduct individual tutoring sessions in order to learn how the student is coping and in which areas she or he is still struggling with. Offer some strategies for dealing with tests anxiety for example or other strategies for becoming better learners. Your learners will appreciate you for this and you'll eventually win them over and build a much more cooperative relationship with the class. All grading systems can be effective means of student accountability so long as students are informed of the grading procedures along with periodic review sessions so students can improve their learning and grades over time.
The copyright of the article Creating a Grading System in Classroom Organization is owned by Dorit Sasson. Permission to republish Creating a Grading System in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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