5.1 | Overview Transcript
This video will discuss Equitable Grading Practices.
Using the tools in the Canvas Gradebook and SpeedGrader and developing native Canvas rubrics can help instructors provide equitable, authentic and individualized learning opportunities for students. In all levels of education, there are concerns that traditional grading practices perpetuate achievement and opportunity gaps, making grading an issue of equity.
Traditional grading practices often vary from teacher to teacher, provide unclear and misleading information, are often impacted by racial, class and gender biases, and tend to be based on mathematically unsound calculations. Across most educational institutions instructors are not provided with formal training on equitable grading practices, resulting in grades that do not provide objective, fair or accurate reflections of students' academic performance.
There are many solutions to these problems, however, and an increasing amount of research and literature available on developing equitable grading pathways. Some of these solutions include applying mathematically sound approaches to grading, valuing knowledge rather than environment or behavior, supporting a growth mindset, and making grades more transparent and simpler to understand.
To achieve these goals, it is important for instructors to develop authentic assessment opportunities that have clear objectives, measurable criteria and specific assessment rubrics. For instructors who are dedicated to this process, the steps of Backward Design can be very helpful.
The Backward Design model begins with the end in mind by first identifying the desired results, then determining acceptable evidence that students have achieved the learning objectives, and finally, by planning learning experiences, instruction and resources that will help students demonstrate their mastery of the content.
Those who have explored Backward Design know that developing clear and measurable objectives can be a challenging process. Using Bloom's Taxonomy, which explains the multiple stages of learning and the actions statements that can be applied toward aligning objectives with assessments can aid in this process.
Finally, using assessment rubrics benefits students by providing clear and transparent assignment expectations especially when the rubric is published upfront. Rubrics help reduce concerns of unfair grading practices by emphasizing that the same criteria are used for all students. A well-designed assessment rubric also serves the instructor's ability to provide timely, authentic, and objective feedback.
Thank you very much for watching.