Specifications Grading
David Clark, Robert Talbert · 2023
Students have opportunities to revise or reattempt work, if needed, in order to meet the specifications. Final grades are based on completing “bundles” of assignments that group related work together. Higher grades can be earned by completing more, or more advanced, bundles. Every specification is a commitment to assess that item; everything left out is a commitment not to assess it. Mahoney’s course includes several common assignments required across all sections of UL 100. While these aren’t designed to use specifications grading, Mahoney takes the requirements for each and creates her own specifications for them. Assignments are shared via a document that each student duplicates and fills out. Kelly describes how specifications grading helps students self-critique and learn to accept helpful criticism. In specifications grading, each assignment has a list of “specifications” that clearly describe what a successful submission will involve.