Abstract
AbstractNorm-based grading has been associated with a reduction in student incentives to learn. Thus, it is important to understand faculty incentives for using norm-based grading. This paper used two waves of the National Study of Postsecondary Faculty to examine faculty characteristics related to the use of norm-based grading. Results suggest that norm-based grading is more likely when faculty and departments are more research oriented. Faculty who are at lower rank, male, younger, in science and social science departments are more likely to use norm-based grading, while faculty who feel that teaching should be the primary promotion criterion use criteria-based grading.
Highlights
Numerous studies have examined the assessment of student learning and the incentives for students to learn
The majority of faculty members are satisfied with their job, only about half are satisfied with their salary
The use of norm-based grading has been relatively unexplored in the economics literature
Summary
Numerous studies have examined the assessment of student learning and the incentives for students to learn. Criterion-based grading depends on whether the student demonstrates a given level of knowledge. Norm-based grading depends on the student’s relative performance compared to other members of a pre-specified group (Glaser, 1963). We present a basic model, based on the work of Mason, Steagall, and Fabritius (2003), to examine why faculty may use norm- or criterion-based grading. Faculty utility is a positive function of student knowledge acquired (K) and student grades (G), and a negative function of time spent on teaching activities (T): F = U K,G,T. Most people would prefer to spend less time on teaching effort while controlling for the amount of knowledge gained by the student. A faculty member that feels teaching is the primary component of his or her job may prefer spending most of their time on teaching. A faculty member at a research institution, junior faculty, may prefer spending a greater proportion of their time on research
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
