EVALUATING STUDENT LEARNING:

Keeping Records

Keep accurate and thorough records of your evaluation of each student's performance throughout the quarter. You should also keep your records for a while after the quarter is over, since students may come back later to question a grade, finish an incomplete, or ask you to write a recommendation. Your records will help you to justify and/or reevaluate a student's final grade if necessary.

When students ask to have a grade changed or contest an answer, don't act hastily. Consider who is responsible for decisions about grade changes (it may be out of your hands), and give yourself time for further investigation in order to help you prepare a fair and equitable response.

Avoid spot judgments by scheduling a meeting for a few days later after you have had time to look at the student's problem on your own. Many TAs have found it helpful to have students to submit requests for grade changes in writing, requiring students to reflect on and justify their requests, and also providing you with documentation should you be asked to explain your decision at a later point.

Research the issue, prepare a response and a rationale, and, if necessary, discuss the situation with the course supervisor or TA coordinator. Some instructors prefer to reserve the right to adjust reconsidered grades in either direction-up or down. Finally, document your interactions with disgruntled students as promptly as possible so you have accurate notes for a subsequent discussion.