In this episode, Julian Harris, PhD, shares how alternative grading practices better reflect student learning, foster a growth mindset, and allow for meaningful feedback loops. He offers practical insights into his experiences with alternative grading, the challenges encountered along the way, and the benefits of transitioning to a different assessment model. This conversation provides valuable insights and key strategies for implementing alternative grading in your classroom.

Follow and subscribe to be notified about new episodes! Episodes premiere monthly, every first Wednesday at 10:30AM. Head over to our webpage to check out more episodes and learn more about the podcast!

Guest: Julian Harris, PhD

• Role: Assistant Professor of Biochemistry

• Expertise: biochemistry, alternative grading systems, growth mindset

Quote from the Episode:

• “They [students] feel seen by the grading system. That it helps them think about learning and growth mindset from the more sort of malleable perspective, where they really do view the mistakes as opportunities to get better.” - Julian Harris, PhD

Getting Started:

• Start small with assessment changes, such as allowing for exam corrections, or offering a retake of a single exam.

• Approach alternative grading practices with a growth mindset: reflect on what works and what doesn’t, and adjust without expecting perfection the first time.

• Create intentional changes for students to revisit material, learn from feedback, and show improvement.

• Contact us to talk about incorporating alternative grading practices in your classroom.

Terms to Know:

The terms below are mentioned in the episode, and for context and clarity, we've provided brief definitions of potentially unfamiliar terms you may hear.

• Standards Based Grading: A grading system in which an instructor creates a list of clear standards that describe specific things students will learn to do. Each assignment is aligned with one or more of the created standards; each standard is assessed multiple times to meet the standard without penalty.

• Specifications Grading: A grading system in which an instructor creates a list of specifications that describe the qualities and characteristics of a successful submission for an assignment. Student work is graded holistically, earning a single mark: “Satisfactory” or “Not Yet”.

• Growth Mindset: The belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort and dedication rather than being fixed, innate traits. A growth mindset also views perceived failures as opportunities to learn and grow.

Selected Resources: The Learning Curve team curated this list based on university resources or guest recommendations.

1. Clark D. Grading for Growth : A Guide to Alternative Grading Practices That Promote Authentic Learning and Student Engagement in Higher Education. First edition. (Talbert R, ed.). Routledge; 2023.
2. Yik BJ, Machost H, Streifer AC, Palmer MS, Morkowchuk L, Stains M. Students’ Perceptions of Specifications Grading: Development and Evaluation of the Perceptions of Grading Schemes (PGS) Instrument. Journal of chemical education. 2024;101(9):3723-3738. doi:10.1021/acs.jchemed.4c00698
3. Nilson LB. Specifications Grading : Restoring Rigor, Motivating Students, and Saving Faculty Time. First edition. Stylus; 2016.
4. Academic Commons Upcoming Workshops and Events

In this episode, Thomas Schrand, PhD, shares how the Hallmarks Core and its Power Skills cultivate adaptable, intellectually curious graduates prepared for an evolving, AI-influenced world. He offers practical insights into learner-centered teaching, critical thinking, and reflective practice that help students build durable, human-centered competencies. Educators will gain strategies for strengthening meaningful learning across disciplines.

Follow and subscribe to be notified about new episodes! Episodes premiere monthly, every first Wednesday at 10:30AM. Head over to our webpage to check out more episodes and learn more about the podcast!

Guest: Thomas Schrand, PhD

• Role: Associate Dean for General Education & Professor of History
• Expertise: Curriculum development, pedagogy, general education, and active learning.

Quote from the Episode:

“At the end of four years of this experience… you end up as someone who can think on their feet, someone who has confidence in what they're saying and their ability to grapple with challenging and nuanced questions.” - Thomas Schrand, PhD

Getting Started:

• Ask students to apply course concepts to real‑world or professional scenarios, reinforcing both disciplinary relevance and transferable competencies.
• Start each class with a device‑free expectation to promote presence, note‑taking by hand, and deeper engagement with peers and content.
• Build in reflective moments—such as end‑of‑week or end‑of‑unit prompts asking students to identify key takeaways or what learning mattered most to them.
• Contact usto talk about learning design and incorporating these skills into your classroom.

Terms to Know:

The terms below are mentioned in the episode, and for context and clarity, we've provided brief definitions of potentially unfamiliar terms you may hear.

• Learner Centered Teaching: An approach that focuses on how students learn—emphasizing engagement, active participation, and cognitive processes rather than instructor-led delivery.
• Active Learning: Any instructional method that requires students to be metacognitive and engage in meaningful activities (e.g., discussion, problem solving) rather than passively listening to lectures.
• Cognitive Psychology: A branch of psychology which explores the mental process related to perceiving, attending, thinking, language, learning, and memory.

Selected Resources: The Learning Curve team curated this list based on university resources or guest recommendations.

1. The Science of Learning – Academic Commons Self-Paced Program
2. Designing Learning that Endures: The Science of Learning in Practice: Academic Commons Self-Paced Program
3. The Hallmarks Core Program – Thomas Jefferson University Page
4. Major, C. H., Harris, M. S., & Zakrajsek, T. (2021). Teaching for learning : 101 intentionally designed educational activities to put students on the path to success. (Second edition.). ROUTLEDGE.
5. Zakrajsek, T., & Nilson, L. B. (2023). Teaching at its best: a research-based resource for college instructors (Fifth edition.). Jossey-Bass, a Wiley Brand.
6. Academic Commons Upcoming Workshops and Events