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Equitable grading strategies

The College of Engineering, in partnership with the Center for Teaching and Learning, will deliver an interactive three-part module as a part of the EMPOWER Certificate Program.  This module, Equitable Grading Strategies, will consider the impact of grades on student learning and development, and encourage equity in instruction and assessment.  The 2024 workshops are scheduled for March 5, March 13 and March 20 at 117 Dwinelle Hall and via Zoom.

Target Audience: COE faculty only
Contacts: Chaniqua Butscher,  associate director for inclusive excellence programs, chaniqua@berkeley.edu
Faculty Sponsor: Rebecca Abergel, associate dean for inclusive excellence

For accommodations for effective communication (ASL interpreting/CART captioning, alternative media formats, etc.), please contact Chaniqua Butscher at chaniqua@berkeley.edu with as much advance notice as possible (at least 7-10 days in advance of the event).

Workshop 1: Perspectives on Equitable Grading | Tuesday, March 5, 1-2:30 p.m. (Register)

  • Build a supportive community around equitable or alternative grading practices.
  • Share strategies for equitable grading across and within disciplines.
  • Identify an opportunity to revise or add a graded component of your course for equity.

See event page for more information – click here

Workshop 2: The History and Future of Grades | Wednesday, March 13, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Register)

  • Investigate the history of grading in higher education.
  • Discuss how grades affect student learning experiences.
  • Examine grading as a mechanism for exacerbating inequities and reinforcing biases.
  • Identify strategies to mitigate the shortcomings of traditional grading practices.

See event page for more information – click here

Workshop 3: Putting Equitable Grading Into Practice | Wednesday, March 20, 9-11 a.m. (Register)

  • Receive feedback on where your course assignment increases or reduces student equity.
  • Compare and contrast approaches to equitable grading including alternative grading.
  • Describe how alternative grading can foster equitable student learning experiences.
  • Brainstorm steps to revise a component of a course to reflect equitable grading approaches.

See event page for more information – click here

Please RSVP for the workshops no later than February 26.

Participation in these workshops is an actionable way to demonstrate your commitment to the creation of a more equitable and inclusive teaching and learning environment. Upon completion of all three workshops, participants will receive an electronic EMPOWER badge and recognition of completion.