21st Annual Student Research Conference
Dangling a Different Carrot: Grading Without Points
Lindsay M. Dodge*, Jessica Rassler, and Alexandra Santacroce
Dr. Christopher D. Lantz, Faculty Mentor
Landram and Dietz (2006) recently reported that removing grades from student feedback facilitated students' focus on learning while reducing stress. Pollio and Beck (2006) suggested that learning oriented students, as compared to their grade oriented peers, possessed several positive academic characteristics. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if a "grading without points" (GWOP) system affected student's learning orientation and reduced their levels of academic stress. Three sections of ES 270 (Research Methods) each with different professors were assigned to either an experimental (1 section; GWOP) or control (2 sections; traditional grading) condition. Students in the experimental condition were provided feedback but no quantitative value on submitted work. All students completed the Learning/Grade Orientation Scale and an academic stress scale in a pre/post test format. Preliminary analyses suggests that levels of academic stress and satisfaction with GWOP are influenced by the learning/grade orientation of the student.
Keywords: Grading, Points, Learning Orientation, Grading System, Stress, Anxiety, Feedback
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 50-1
Location: VH 1010
Time: 2:45