In recent years, I have cultivated an almost pathological resistance to grading. Here I explore the reasons why and describe how I eventually recovered. In particular, I propose that although grading, or more explicitly, effective assessment of student learning, is a challenging component of a mathematics instructor's job description, reflective…

The new language assessment policies in the Philippines and in Indonesia have impact on English teachers' assessment practices. Classroom assessment; as mandated in the current curriculum of both countries swifts from sources of information to the inseparable process of teaching and learning. This study describes Filipino and Indonesian high…

A procedure and a computing diagram for assigning score boundaries to grading categories on classroom tests are described. The procedure takes both the median ability level of the class and the test performance of the class relative to that of other classes into account. (Author)

The A to F grading pattern is a highly subjective practice that demands great expertise and assumes a high degree of test validity. This article discusses the merits of extra credit assignments, homework, and "pop" quizzes; outlines defensible grading procedures; and discusses common grading problems, such as using grades as weapons. (MLH)

Without training in objective, systematic methods of assessing student performance, teachers often must rely on poor quality evaluation measures. This article discusses assessment problems and promotes a new Northwest Regional Education Laboratory (Oregon) development: providing classroom assessment specialists to assist teachers with student…

Surveys of college faculty members' current use of objective tests indicated that most respondents (N=38) did not use state-of-the-art procedures associated with construction and analysis of objective tests. Many were unfamiliar with basic testing terms and tools and did not understand the meanings of the terms and tools. (SM)

In quantitative courses, examinations measure a small portion of the students' subject mastery, and grading is difficult. Take-home examinations test more but their development is difficult. Computer assisted test construction, where a computer generates random data within relative constraints for preprogrammed examination questions, is proposed…

Compares the effect of content ordering and scrambled ordering on examinations in courses, such as economics, that require quantitative skills. Empirical results suggest that students do no better if they are given a content-ordered rather than a scrambled examination as student performance is not adversely affected by scrambled ordered…

Investigates the effects on multiple choice test performance of altering the order and placement of questions and responses. Shows that changing the response pattern appears to alter significantly the apparent degree of difficulty. Response patterns become more dissimilar under certain types of response alterations. (LS)

Perspectives on testing and grading are considered; and strategies, reference materials, and sample test items are presented. Attention is directed to specific impacts of testing and grading on students and teachers, purposes of testing and grading, and common complaints of students and teachers. Extra activities proposed for the teacher include…

Approximately 900 teachers in Virginia were surveyed to assess teachers' competencies in the 7 basic assessment areas identified in the "Standards for Teacher Competence in Educational Assessment of Students." Results will be used in designing training material in assessment for inservice teacher education. (SLD)