Wed, July 16, 9:00AM-12:00PM, in person, Surrey campus, Arbutus 2410 (2nd floor library)
Traditional assessment types, whether graded or experience-based, can be a barrier to student engagement, motivation, and self-efficacy. Well-designed assessments support students to better understand expectations, engage meaningfully with course content, and demonstrate their learning in authentic ways. These practices not only support academic achievement but also foster a sense of purpose and belonging, which are critical to student motivation and retention.
Transforming assessment practices through innovative grading approaches can significantly enhance student engagement, learning success, and the demonstration of knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs). This hands-on workshop explores how alternative approaches to grading and assessment can support learning. Participants will examine ungrading, minimal grading, and mastery-based assessment models, then apply them to a real or hypothetical course through a scenario-based design activity. By engaging with this workshop, instructors will gain practical strategies to enhance student learning, increase engagement, and contribute to a more inclusive and satisfying educational experience—one that supports students not only in staying, but in thriving.
Through engaging in the activities and content of this workshop, you have the opportunity to
Differentiate traditional and alternative assessments and grading methods
Identify how these models support motivation, equity, and retention
Develop aligned assessments and rubrics
Apply a model to redesign one assessment for your course
