Detroit Mercy’s College of Engineering & Science is hosting three free faculty workshops in February as part of its STEM Learning Community.
The first workshop features Andrew Cooper, a senior lecturer of mathematics at University of Pennsylvania, who will discuss several grading systems on Wednesday, Feb. 2 from 12-2 p.m.
Rebecca Kelly, an associate teaching professor and director of environmental science and studies at Johns Hopkins University, will lead a pair of workshops on specification grading and syllabus design on Thursday, Feb. 10 and Thursday, Feb. 24 from 12-2 p.m.
Below are descriptions for each virtual workshop as well as registration links.
Feb. 2: “Standards, Techniques and Specifications, Oh My!”
Most faculty are used to points-average grading, but it is not the only way to assess performance. Cooper’s workshop discuss the nuts-and-bolts of several alternative specifications grading, standards-based grading and techniques grading. Student performance is assessed on authentic standards in these systems, with multiple attempts for the student to demonstrate that they have met that standard.
The workshop focuses on how to build and communicate a grading system that is more human, honest and communicative to students, while allowing instructors to increase the learning and performance of their students. After a brief overview on Cooper’s perspective on the grading problem, faculty will get their hands dirty with what their course could look like under a more authentic grading scheme.
Register in advance for the Feb. 2 workshop. Those attending are encouraged to participate in an activity before the workshop.
Feb. 10: “Introduction to Specifications Grading”
You may have heard about specifications grading, but what is it and how does it work? In this workshop, Kelly explores the benefits and caveats of the system. The workshop is designed to introduce faculty to specs grading and inspire them to think about how it can implemented in their courses.
Register in advance for the Feb. 10 workshop.
Feb. 24: “Syllabus Design with Specifications Grading”
Implementing a new system like specs grading can be a daunting task, and it starts with redesigning your syllabus. This interactive workshop walks faculty through the process of setting up a specs grading system that works for them and their students.
Kelly’s focus will be on developing course learning goals that are linked to specific assessments and tied to a specs grading scheme. If you don’t use this system, this workshop can be a useful exercise in backward design that can be applied to any of your courses.
Faculty can bring a syllabus they would like to work on or an idea for a course they’d like to develop.