Specifications-Based Grading in MA 225

Ashley Tharp (NC State Mathematics)

talk
Date:

April 13, 2023

Abstract

Alternative grading systems have been praised as more equitable, but how do they work in practice in the NCSU Math Department? In this talk, I’ll provide a brief overview of popular alternative grading systems. I’ll also share my experience of using specifications (or “specs”)-based grading in MA 225: Foundations of Advanced Mathematics, including why I chose specs-based grading, how I implemented it, how it has gone in MA 225 this semester, and takeaways from the experience. Finally, we’ll discuss ways to experiment with alternative grading options in various math classes.