The Importance of Communication
It is difficult to overstate the importance of communication in good grading practice. Before, during, and after grading an assessment, you should be in contact with:
Co-instructors and TAs, about
- assessment criteria and grading schemes,
- rubrics and other tools you may be using,
- relevant course policies (late assessments, over or under length, academic dishonesty),
- their expectations (for feedback, reviewing graded assessments, anticipated average grades, deadlines)
The students, about
- assessment instructions and requirements,
- samples or models they can use,
- frequent challenges or issues,
- available supports (e.g., Student Success Centre)
- university and course policies
- appeal processes
Summary
This brings us to the end of the workshop. Throughout this workshop, we considered ways to mark:
- Effectively
- Efficiently
- Objectively
- Consistently
- Constructively
- Virtually
Sources
Beaumont, C., O’Doherty, M., & Shannon, L. (2011). Reconceptualising assessment feedback: a key to improving student learning? Studies in Higher Education, 36(6), 671-687.
Carless, D. et al. (2011). Developing sustainable feedback practices. Studies in Higher Education, 36(4), 395-407.
Higgins, R., Hartley, P., & Skelton, A. (2002). The conscientious consumer: reconsidering the role of assessment feedback in student learning. Studies in Higher Education, 27(1), 53-64.
Lizzio, A., & Wilson, K. (2008). Feedback on assessment: students’ perceptions of quality and effectiveness. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 33(3), 263-275.
Nicol, D.J., & Macfarlane-Dick, D. (2006) Formative assessment and self-regulated learning: a model and seven principles of good feedback practice. Studies in Higher Education, 31(2), 199-218.
Poulos, A. & Mahony, M.J. (2008). Effectiveness of feedback: the students’ perspective. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 33(2), 143-154.
Walvoord, B.E. & Anderson, V.J. (2011). Effective Grading: A Tool for Learning and Assessment in College, Second Edition, John Wiley & Sons.