Specifications-Based Grading Reduces Anxiety for Students of Ordinary Differential Equations

Authors

Mel Henriksen, Wentworth Institute of TechnologyFollow
Jakob Kotas, University of PortlandFollow
Mami Wentworth, Wentworth Institute of TechnologyFollow

Publication Date

9-13-2020

Keywords

Specifications-based grading, standards-based grading, mastery grading, testing anxiety, reassessments

Disciplines

Mathematics | Physical Sciences and Mathematics | Science and Mathematics Education

Abstract

Specifications-based grading (SBG) is an assessment scheme in which student grades are based on demonstrated understanding of known specifications which are tied to course learning outcomes. Typically with SBG, students are given multiple opportunities to demonstrate such understanding. In undergraduate-level introductory ordinary differential equations courses at two institutions, SBG has been found to markedly decrease students’ self-reported anxiety related to the course as compared to traditionally graded courses.

Recommended Citation

Henriksen, Mel; Kotas, Jakob; and Wentworth, Mami (2020) "Specifications-Based Grading Reduces Anxiety for Students of Ordinary Differential Equations," CODEE Journal: Vol. 13, Article 1.
Available at: https://scholarship.claremont.edu/codee/vol13/iss1/1

Creative Commons License

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