Growth-Based Grading

A Novel Method for Assessment in Higher Education

Abstract

Traditional grading structures, which can restrict students’ thinking and motivation in pursuit of grade achievement, can hinder overarching goals of higher education (e.g., critical thinking, application, and empowerment). The current Teaching Tip explores the process and assessment of growth-based grading, a system of non-traditional grading that relies on completion-based assignments, as well as midterm and final portfolio documents and meetings, to evaluate student grades. Assessment results revealed that students significantly preferred growth-based grading to traditional grading, indicating a perception that growth-based grading increased students' interest in learning, the quality of their thinking, and their ability to apply the curriculum.