nongradebased

Nongradebased refers to educational approaches that de-emphasize or eliminate traditional letter or number grades as the primary means of assessment. Instead of assigning a grade to a student's work, educators employing nongradebased methods focus on providing detailed qualitative feedback. This feedback often describes a student's strengths and areas for improvement, guiding them toward mastery of learning objectives.

The philosophy behind nongradebased systems is that grades can sometimes hinder learning by focusing students on achieving a certain score rather than on understanding the material. It aims to foster a more intrinsic motivation for learning and to reduce the anxiety associated with high-stakes testing and grading. Students are encouraged to engage with the learning process, revise their work based on feedback, and demonstrate their understanding over time.

Common elements within nongradebased education include mastery-based learning, where students progress only after demonstrating proficiency, and competency-based education, which focuses on the acquisition of specific skills and knowledge. Portfolios of student work, self-assessments, and peer feedback are also frequently used as assessment tools. The goal is to provide a more accurate and holistic picture of a student's learning journey and to support their development as independent learners.