Grading

One thing that has not changed through the years is students` concern about grades. If anything, it seems that students are more concerned about grades than ever.  Teachers report that students` complaints about grades is one of the negatives about teaching.
Here are some ideas for minimizing students` complaints about their grades.

• Clearly state the basis for how you assign grades. 
• Provide sufficient opportunities for students to demonstrate what they have learned.
• Be consistent in your grading policy.  Do not change your policy once a class begins unless absolutely necessary.  If you do make a change, clearly state your rationale for doing so.
• Provide reasonable opportunities for students to improve their grades.
• Consider revising your grading standards if the overall grades in your class are too low.
• Be certain that students understand that their grades are an evaluation of their learning, and not a judgment about them as individuals.