Graduate Course Grading Policy
Department of Educational Studies
(Approved at EDST Department Meeting, September
18, 2004)
The issue of grading in our Department arose because of concerns
about the comparability of grading practices. For instance,
there may be some inequities for scholarship competitions.
Further, instructors often ask for guidance regarding grading
but there is no general agreement as to what constitutes fair
distributions of marks.
There is also a concern among EDST students that evaluation
should be more transparent and that all instructors should
provide a clear indication of what the criteria of assessment
and the basis for grading will be. It appears that a grading
policy could address these problems and reduce the confusion
over evaluations that students and faculty sometimes experience.
Grading consists of three major elements that are conceptually
independent. The first is the standard applied--What does
an "A" mean, relatively speaking? A detailed response to this
question is found in the attached document that is based on
the initial work of Dan Pratt. In this statement, called an
Order of Marking Standards, grading is related to the degree
to which certain expectations are fulfilled.
A brief examination of EDST course marks shows that the Department
average of averages is 85%, which is comparable with that
of other departments. Most EDST course averages fall between
83% and 87%. Instructors may wish to examine their own grading
p ractices in view of the composition of classes, particularly
the ratio of doctoral to magistral students.
The criteria that are used to measure student performance
are entirely in the domain of the instructor. It would be
inappropriate to suggest that any one set of criteria should
be adopted by faculty since the goals of courses in EDST vary
greatly. Rat her, instructors could provide written criteria
to students at the beginning of courses and clarify them during
the courses so that expectations are obvious. These criteria
include the ability to analyze, synthesize, or evaluate, the
articulation of pers pectives, an understanding of the literature,
and others.
The third element is the bases or activities to which the
criteria are applied. A diversity of activities is possible
in EDST courses, ranging from traditional exams through class
participation to video productions. The bases for grading
are the prer ogative of instructors.
Recommendations for EDST Grading Policy
-
That the criteria and bases for assessment of performance
be provided in writing at the start of courses.
-
That the assignment of letter grades within courses follow
the attached Order of Marking Standards.
Order of Marking Standards
A Level (80% to 100%)
A+ is from 90% to 100%. It is reserved for exceptional work
that greatly exceeds course expectations. In addition, achievement
must satisfy all the conditions below.
A is from 85% to 89%. A mark of this order suggests a very
high level of performance on all criteria used for evaluation.
Contributions deserving an A are distinguished in virtually
every aspect. They show that the individual (or group) significantly
shows initiative, creativity, insight, and probing analysis
where appropriate. Further, the achievement must show careful
attention to course requirements as established by the instructor.
A- is from 80% to 84%. It is awarded for generally high quality
of performance, no problems of any significance, and fulfillment
of all course requirements. However, the achievement does
not demonstrate the level of quality that is clearly distinguished
relative to that of peers in class and in related courses.
B Level (68% to 79%)
This category of achievement is typified by adequate but
unexceptional performance when the criteria of assessment
are considered. It is distinguished from A level work by problems
such as:
-
one or more significant errors in understanding
-
superficial representation or analysis of key concepts
-
absence of any special initiatives
-
lack of coherent organization or explication of ideas
The level of B work is judged in accordance with the severity
of the difficulties demonstrated.
B+ is from 76% to 79%.
B is from 72% to 75%.
B- is from 68% to 71%.
C+ is from 64% to 67%
C is from 60% - 63%
The Faculty of Graduate Studies considers 60% as a minimum
passing grade for graduate students. See the UBC Calendar
for details.
Students should check the University Calendar for information
on what constitutes “Satisfactory Progress” for
masters and doctoral students. In general, a grade of 68%
must be maintained to remain in good standing. See the Faculty
of Graduate Studies section of Calendar for more information.
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