Rethinking grades: How alternative grading strategies are changing the biology classroom

03-05-2025

Professor Jacob Adler teaching students in a biology classroom.

 

For some students, grades can feel like the most important part of their education. Exams, assignments, and letter grades often determine future opportunities—but do traditional grading methods actually support learning?

Jacob Adler and his research team explored this question in a recent study published in the Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education. Their findings suggest that students perceive that alternative grading methods, particularly standards-based grading, may reduce stress, improve knowledge retention, and give students more control over their learning experience.

A Different Approach to Grades

Many traditional grading systems rely on partial credit, weighted averages, and high-stakes exams. But research has shown that these methods can contribute to anxiety and discourage students from focusing on long-term learning. Adler’s study examined standards-based grading, a system where students must meet clearly defined criteria for each assignment. Instead of partial credit or curved scores, students either meet the standard or have opportunities to revise their work.

In several biology courses at a private liberal arts university, Adler’s team replaced conventional grading with standards-based grading and opportunities for revision in one-on-one meetings with the instructor. Adler then surveyed the students about their experiences. The goal was to understand how this approach affected students.

Less Stress, More Learning

The study found that students overwhelmingly responded positively to alternative grading. One of the reported advantages was reduced stress. Many students reported feeling less pressure because they had opportunities to revise assignments instead of being penalized for mistakes on the first attempt. This approach encouraged students to focus on learning concepts rather than just earning points.

Students also appreciated the clear expectations. Unlike traditional grading, where partial credit can sometimes feel arbitrary, standards-based grading laid out specific requirements for each assignment. Knowing exactly what was needed to succeed helped students feel more in control of their performance. They also valued receiving quality feedback from their instructor. Because this grading system prioritizes mastery over point accumulation, instructors can focus on providing meaningful feedback rather than just assigning scores, helping students better understand how to improve.

Encouraging a Growth Mindset

Another key benefit of standards-based grading was its impact on students’ approach to learning. Instead of viewing grades as a final judgment of their abilities, students saw them as part of an ongoing process. The ability to revise work reinforced the idea that learning takes time and effort, shifting the focus from performance to improvement.

Many students also found that this grading system helped them retain knowledge better. Because the emphasis was on meeting standards rather than cramming for exams, students engaged more deeply with the material and retained information beyond the course.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Grading

Adler’s study adds to a growing body of research suggesting that alternative grading methods may be a different way to assess student learning. While traditional grading systems remain common, educators are increasingly exploring new approaches that prioritize learning, reduce anxiety, and make expectations clearer.

Though alternative grading may not be the right fit for every course, its benefits—greater student confidence, deeper learning, and reduced stress—make it a compelling option for educators looking to improve classroom experiences.

As universities continue rethinking assessment methods, research like Adler’s provides valuable insight into how grading can evolve to better support student success.

 

About the Department of Biological Sciences at Purdue University

The Department of Biological Sciences is the largest life sciences department at Purdue University. As part of Purdue One Health, we are dedicated to pioneering scientific discoveries and transformative education at the cutting edge of innovation. From molecules to cells, from tissues to organisms, from populations to ecosystems - we bring together multiple perspectives, integrating across biological scales to advance our understanding of life and tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. Learn more at bio.purdue.edu/.

 

Writer: Alisha Willett, amwillet@purdue.edu

Source: Jacob Adler, jjadler@purdue.edu