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Contract Grading

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1 Contract Grading
2 Basis of Contract Grading
3 Advantages
4 Disadvantages
5 Example of Contract Grade Application
6 References

Contract Grading

Contract Grading is an alternative to the traditional form of grading. Contract grading is aimed to be a more hands on experience for students. It allows them to feel like they are in control of their success.

Basis of Contract Grading

In traditional grading, professors' determine the course's assignments, exams, and projects all before the course begins. Students are then expected to follow the syllabus and complete the tasks presented. The grade the students receive is then a reflection of how well he or she completed the pre-determined syllabus. In this system, students are meant to follow a path that is already set before them. A contract grading system, on the other hand, allows each student to make his or her own path for the class. The student and the professor come to an agreement as to how many and what projects or activities that student will do, what learning objectives they will achieve, and how their grade is ultimately assessed. This grading system requires a much more active role from the student. ^[1] Although it is up to the student to determine what he or she will do throughout the course, like a contract, both parties, the student and the teacher, must come to an agreement. Thus, after a student turns in their initial contract or proposal, the teacher will often make revisions or require some changes be made before a final agreement is met. Similar to a contract, a contract grade will also be signed by both parties, confirming an agreement to complete and stick to the contract.^[2]

Advantages

Advantages of contract grading include enabling the student to progress at their own rate and relieving some of the pressure of competing for grades. This style of grading also emphasizes learning rather than grades and also improves attitude toward learning. With contract grading students must take more responsibility in their classes. They are in control of their grade, and there is no reason that they should not get the grade they want.

Disadvantages

The disadvantages of this form of grading include the fact that it could be time consuming for the instructor and could raise questions by the student of fairness in grading. Also, contract grading could be viewed as threatening to students who always have been told what to do in the learning process.^[3]

Example of Contract Grade Application

, a professor at Truman State University, has implemented contract grades with his Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies of the Fall 2007 semester. While the students are allowed a free choice in deciding what assignments they will complete, Dr. Alberts did implement some constraints. The contract used in this course consists of both required components as well as optional components. The required number of additional optional assignments for each letter grade is also clearly established. For example, seven optional components generally merit an A. The students decide what letter grade they desire and how many optional assignments are required of them to get that desired grade. It is important to note that quality is also an intrinsic part of Dr. Alberts’ contract system; quantity alone will not achieve the grade. Students then, on top of decided what grade they want and how many assignments they will complete, take responsibility in determining which optional assignments and how many of each they will do. Contracts are then signed and agreed upon; there is a grace period for changing of contracts, but it is up to the professor to accept or to dismiss any such proposals. It is then the student’s responsibility to complete and turn in their agreed upon assignments, doing so at his or her own leisure.