When learning objectives and actual learning outcomes are mismatched, adjust learning objectives and re-calculate rather than adjusting final grades. Adjust learning objectives over time as knowledge of students abilities becomes more familiar. Weight tasks according to their importance in demonstrating course objectives. Absolute Grading Methods Based on Fixed Scales Typical Methods Fixed Percent Scale Total Point Method Benefits Easy to calculate grades. Easy for students to understand.
Consistency gives illusion of fairness.
Reduces competition between students. Drawbacks Can allow all students to receive the same grade and thus not provide information needed to screen students in competitive circumstances. Fixed scales are arbitrary and thus meaningless. Strategies Tie point systems explicitly with a domain of tasks, behaviors, or knowledge upon which the assessment will be based. Adjust scales to fit each assignment rather than adjusting assignments to fit scales.