Dublin Core
Title
"18189 - topic: grades
.
I am wondering what proponents of Universal Pass would say to a plan to ""freeze"" grades prior to Spring Break and make those the semester grades for ....
.
I am wondering what proponents of Universal Pass would say to a plan to ""freeze"" grades prior to Spring Break and make those the semester grades for ....
Publisher
Dear Blueno
Date
March 29, 2020
Text Item Type Metadata
Text
"18189 - topic: grades
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
I am wondering what proponents of Universal Pass would say to a plan to ""freeze"" grades prior to Spring Break and make those the semester grades for students. A universal pass policy takes a way any external incentive students would have to study anyways, so why not give students credit for the work they've already done?
Of course, grades in the first half of the semester are not a perfect representation of semester performance (because there are more assignments and exams to be completed), but as far as I know most people tend to perform similarly across a semester, barring extenuating circumstances. Of course, freezing grades is not a perfect solution; to me, however, it seems to avoid the equity problems that optional S/NC engenders, as well as the issues with universal pass (no letter grades for students who need them). It seems that providing a reasonable estimation of students' grades is more fair than completely wiping out everyone's work for the semester.
I'm genuinely curious what Brown students think about this. I feel like there is an increasing polarization between die-hard S/NC optional students and die-hard Universal Pass students and that maybe both sides need to realize that there are large groups that are negatively affected by either proposal and that an ideal grading policy should mitigate as much harm as possible, for as many people as possible.
(and yes I know that Brown's decision is most likely final but I'm still curious about people's thoughts)
"
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
I am wondering what proponents of Universal Pass would say to a plan to ""freeze"" grades prior to Spring Break and make those the semester grades for students. A universal pass policy takes a way any external incentive students would have to study anyways, so why not give students credit for the work they've already done?
Of course, grades in the first half of the semester are not a perfect representation of semester performance (because there are more assignments and exams to be completed), but as far as I know most people tend to perform similarly across a semester, barring extenuating circumstances. Of course, freezing grades is not a perfect solution; to me, however, it seems to avoid the equity problems that optional S/NC engenders, as well as the issues with universal pass (no letter grades for students who need them). It seems that providing a reasonable estimation of students' grades is more fair than completely wiping out everyone's work for the semester.
I'm genuinely curious what Brown students think about this. I feel like there is an increasing polarization between die-hard S/NC optional students and die-hard Universal Pass students and that maybe both sides need to realize that there are large groups that are negatively affected by either proposal and that an ideal grading policy should mitigate as much harm as possible, for as many people as possible.
(and yes I know that Brown's decision is most likely final but I'm still curious about people's thoughts)
"
Comments