Ungrading and Self-Assessment: Empowering Students in their Learning

TLDRIn this session, Dr. Jen Newton discusses the concept of ungrading and self-assessment in education. She explains how ungrading helps students work in a more organic and intentional way, focusing on their learning rather than meeting arbitrary expectations. Dr. Newton also emphasizes the importance of self-assessment in developing students' ability to reflect on their own work and learning. Throughout the session, she shares her own experiences and strategies for implementing ungrading and self-assessment in her courses.

Key insights

🎓Ungrading allows students to focus on learning rather than chasing grades.

🔍Self-assessment helps students reflect on their own work and learning processes.

💡Ungrading and self-assessment promote student autonomy and ownership of their learning.

📚Course objectives serve as the foundation for determining grades in an ungrading system.

🎯Ungrading requires ongoing communication and collaboration between students and instructors.

Q&A

How is ungrading different from traditional grading?

—Ungrading focuses on mastery of content rather than compliance with rules or external expectations. It allows students to engage in a more organic and intentional learning process.

How does self-assessment benefit students?

—Self-assessment helps students reflect on their own work and learning, promoting critical thinking skills, and developing a sense of ownership and autonomy.

Do students always have control over their final grades in an ungrading system?

—While students have the opportunity to self-assess and assign themselves a final grade, instructors may provide feedback and engage in a dialogue to ensure fairness and alignment with course objectives.

Is ungrading applicable to all subject areas?

—Yes, ungrading can be implemented in any subject area, as it centers on the process of learning and understanding rather than specific content or assessment methods.

What strategies can instructors use to facilitate self-assessment in their courses?

—Instructors can provide prompts for reflection, encourage peer feedback and discussion, and create a supportive learning environment that values self-reflection and growth.

Timestamped Summary

00:01Dr. Jen Newton introduces the session on ungrading and self-assessment in education.

00:35Ungrading allows students to focus on learning rather than chasing grades.

02:40Self-assessment helps students reflect on their own work and learning processes.

04:50Ungrading and self-assessment promote student autonomy and ownership of their learning.

07:00Course objectives serve as the foundation for determining grades in an ungrading system.

09:00Ungrading requires ongoing communication and collaboration between students and instructors.

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