Shift from traditional grading to meaningful feedback from "summary" of Hacking Assessment by Starr Sackstein
In education, there has been a growing recognition of the limitations of traditional grading practices. As educators, we have come to understand that grades do not always accurately reflect a student's true learning and growth. This realization has led many of us to shift our focus from assigning grades to providing meaningful feedback. Feedback is a powerful tool that can help students understand where they are excelling and where they need to improve. By giving students specific, actionable feedback, we can guide them towards deeper learning and mastery of the material. Meaningful feedback goes beyond simply assigning a number or letter grade; it provides students with valuable insights into their strengths and weaknesses. When we prioritize feedback over grades, we create a more student-centered learning environment. Students become more engaged and motivated to improve when they receive personalized feedback that speaks directly to their individual progress. This shift from traditional grading to meaningful feedback promotes a growth mindset, encouraging students to see challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. As educators, we must also be mindful of the language we use when providing feedback. Our words have the power to either inspire or discourage students, so it is important to be thoughtful and constructive in our feedback. By offering specific, actionable suggestions for improvement, we can help students see the value in the feedback they receive and take ownership of their learning.- The shift from traditional grading to meaningful feedback is about empowering students to become active participants in their own learning journey. When we focus on providing high-quality feedback that is tailored to each student's needs, we create a more supportive and effective learning environment. By embracing this shift, we can help our students reach their full potential and become lifelong learners.
