From Points to Purpose: Confessions of Two Ungraders
Location
Logan, UT
Start Date
8-13-2025 3:15 PM
End Date
8-13-2025 4:00 PM
Description
How can we move beyond grades to foster real learning? In this candid and practical session, we share lessons learned from over eight collective years of experimenting with ungrading in graduate and undergraduate courses. We’ll reflect on what’s worked—and what hasn’t—as we’ve shifted the focus from point accumulation to purpose-driven, authentic learning.
Rooted in the belief that traditional grading often undermines motivation and equity, we’ll explore alternative assessment strategies such as self-assessment, formative feedback, and collaborative grading. These approaches foster student agency, encourage reflection, and deepen engagement across diverse learning contexts.
Participants will walk through the core components of implementing ungrading from the ground up—crafting transparent syllabus language, designing feedback-centered assignments, and supporting revision as a key part of the learning process. Through honest examples from our own classrooms, we’ll highlight both the transformative potential and real-world challenges of moving away from grades.
Grounded in this year’s theme, Beyond the Grade, this session equips faculty with practical tools to support a growth mindset and align assessment with the skills students need for real-world success. Attendees will leave with strategies to start small, stay transparent, and sustain a culture of learning over performance.
From Points to Purpose: Confessions of Two Ungraders
Logan, UT
How can we move beyond grades to foster real learning? In this candid and practical session, we share lessons learned from over eight collective years of experimenting with ungrading in graduate and undergraduate courses. We’ll reflect on what’s worked—and what hasn’t—as we’ve shifted the focus from point accumulation to purpose-driven, authentic learning.
Rooted in the belief that traditional grading often undermines motivation and equity, we’ll explore alternative assessment strategies such as self-assessment, formative feedback, and collaborative grading. These approaches foster student agency, encourage reflection, and deepen engagement across diverse learning contexts.
Participants will walk through the core components of implementing ungrading from the ground up—crafting transparent syllabus language, designing feedback-centered assignments, and supporting revision as a key part of the learning process. Through honest examples from our own classrooms, we’ll highlight both the transformative potential and real-world challenges of moving away from grades.
Grounded in this year’s theme, Beyond the Grade, this session equips faculty with practical tools to support a growth mindset and align assessment with the skills students need for real-world success. Attendees will leave with strategies to start small, stay transparent, and sustain a culture of learning over performance.