Grading In and Beyond the Time of COVID-19

This chapter explores the diverse landscape of alternative assessment practices in higher education, highlighting the experiences of faculty members across various disciplines who have ventured beyond traditional grading methods. The research showcases the evolution of assessment strategies, emphasizing the need for more equitable and student-centered approaches in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing issues of racial injustice in education. The study highlights specific practices employed by faculty to create more inclusive and effective learning environments. These practices range from rejecting the conventional “spreadsheet education” model to embracing innovative approaches such as self-assessment, open pedagogy, and ungrading. Faculty members across STEM, creative fields, and writing disciplines share their experiences in implementing alternative assessment methods that prioritize feedback over grades and foster a deeper engagement with course content.