Effective Grading: A Tool for Learning and Assessment : Book Review

"Effective Grading: A Tool for Learning and Assessment in College" by Barbara E. Fassler Walvoord serves as a comprehensive guide for professors and educators in higher education, providing practical strategies to develop and implement effective grading systems.

This book challenges the limitations of traditional grading practices and highlights the importance of aligning grading with course objectives and learning outcomes. It emphasizes the need for clear and concise grading criteria that are transparent to both students and instructors, allowing students to understand expectations and self-assess their progress.

One significant strength of the book is its emphasis on formative assessment. The author believes that grading should not solely measure student performance but also facilitate learning. Walvoord provides various examples and case studies to illustrate how formative assessment techniques, such as rubrics and peer feedback, can enhance student engagement and foster deep learning.

The book also addresses the challenges and controversies surrounding grading, including issues of bias and subjectivity. Walvoord offers strategies and best practices to mitigate these concerns, such as incorporating multiple measures of assessment and engaging in self-reflection on grading practices.

Overall, "Effective Grading" is a valuable resource for educators who wish to enhance their grading practices and improve student learning outcomes. It offers practical advice and insights that are accessible to both new and experienced instructors. The book serves as a roadmap for designing fair, transparent, and effective grading systems that support student success. With its emphasis on formative assessment and consideration of grading challenges, this book equips educators with the tools necessary to create meaningful and beneficial grading experiences for their students.

What are readers saying?

"Effective Grading" by Barbara E. Fassler Walvoord is a highly regarded book that offers educators practical strategies for implementing effective grading practices. The book has received positive reviews, with readers praising the author's insights and suggestions.

Readers appreciate the book's comprehensive coverage of grading issues. The author addresses various topics, including the purpose of grading, the impact of grading on motivation and learning, and the importance of providing meaningful feedback. Reviewers find this broad approach valuable for both new and experienced educators.

Fairness and equity in grading is another aspect that resonates with readers. Many reviewers appreciate the author's practical suggestions for addressing common challenges, such as subjectivity and bias. They find the strategies offered helpful in ensuring objective and consistent grading practices that align with learning goals.

The clarity and accessibility of the book are also commended by reviewers. They appreciate the straightforward writing style and organized content, which make it easy to follow and implement the suggestions. The author's use of case studies, examples, and real-life scenarios enhances the practicality and applicability of the ideas presented.

Several reviewers mention the positive impact of "Effective Grading" on their teaching practices. They reflect on their current grading methods and feel motivated to make positive changes after reading the book. The author's insights and strategies are considered realistic and applicable to teachers' own classrooms.

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