Implementing Alternative Grading Practices

Alternatives to traditional grading include systems like standards or competency-based grading, specifications-based grading, and even ungrading. Ungrading specifically de-emphasizes grades, and focuses on feedback to support student growth. It has been shown to allow students to be more deeply engaged in the learning process, to take more risks, and decrease the fear and anxiety that is brought on by traditional grading practices (Schinske & Tanner, 2017). Ungrading also highlights how grades reinforce bias against marginalized students (Stommel, 2021).