Specifications Grading

An Alternate Grading Scheme for Online Graduate Courses

In an online graduate classroom, one of the biggest challenges instructors face is creating a grading system that motivates students, sets clear expectations, and reduces grade disputes. Enter specifications grading, a structured yet flexible approach that prioritizes clear, standards-based assessment. Specifications grading provides students with concrete requirements (or “specs”) for each assignment, project, or participation activity, grading them as either complete or incomplete based on whether the specs are met. This system has a lot to offer instructors of online graduate courses by helping students focus on mastery, reducing grade anxiety, and making the grading process more efficient.

What is Specifications Grading?

Specifications grading, often called “specs grading,” is a binary, criterion-referenced grading approach in which assignments are either completed to a satisfactory level or they are not. Each task has clearly defined, “spec”-ified criteria that students must meet in order to pass. Rather than awarding partial credit or a letter grade, the instructor simply determines if the criteria were met.

The principal theorist behind specifications grading is Linda B. Nilson, who introduced this approach to restore rigor, motivate students, and simplify grading for instructors. In her book, Specifications Grading: Restoring Rigor, Motivating Students, and Saving Faculty Time, Nilson outlines how this system can reduce ambiguity, encourage student autonomy, and promote mastery learning by emphasizing completion of specific standards rather than partial performance. Her work highlights the power of specs grading to create a structured yet flexible environment where students can focus on meeting standards without the stress of traditional grading metrics.

In many specs grading systems, courses are structured with “bundles” of assignments tied to specific levels of achievement (e.g., a “B” bundle might include certain core tasks, while an “A” bundle requires more advanced tasks or higher levels of mastery). Students choose which bundle they want to complete at the start of the course, depending on their desired grade, making specs grading both straightforward and student-centered.

Why Use Specifications Grading for Online Graduate Courses?

Graduate students bring unique backgrounds, professional expertise, and clear academic goals to online programs. Specifications grading can be especially beneficial in this setting because it aligns with these qualities while promoting academic autonomy. Here are a few reasons why specs grading is an ideal choice for online graduate courses:

Clarity and Transparency: Specs grading removes ambiguity from the grading process by outlining exactly what students need to do to succeed. For example, a research proposal might require “a clearly defined research question, a literature review with at least five peer-reviewed sources, and a methodological approach.” Students can then work with confidence, knowing the standards they’re working to meet.
Encourages Mastery Learning: In specifications grading, students either meet the requirements or they don’t, which encourages them to work until they fully understand and meet the course standards. In an online graduate course, where self-motivation is critical, specs grading fosters mastery over mediocrity, inspiring students to strive for completeness.
Reduces Grade Anxiety and Grade Disputes: Since the grading criteria are so clear and binary, specs grading minimizes the risk of students feeling uncertain about their grades or disputing them. If a student didn’t meet the specs, they have specific feedback on what needs to change, and they can revise their work accordingly.
Builds Professional Accountability: For graduate students, specs grading reflects real-world expectations, where projects are either approved or sent back for further work. This type of grading teaches students to accept feedback, revise, and take ownership of meeting established standards.
Efficient and Consistent Grading: Specs grading simplifies the grading process by focusing on a checklist of criteria, making it easier to assess work consistently and efficiently. In the online setting, where instructors may have limited time to provide one-on-one feedback, this streamlined approach is particularly beneficial.

Implementing Specifications Grading in an Online Graduate Course

If you’re interested in adopting specs grading for your online graduate course, here are some steps to get started and tips for making it work effectively:

Develop Clear, Measurable Specs for Each Assignment: The success of specs grading hinges on clearly defined criteria. For each assignment, outline exactly what students need to accomplish to receive a “complete.” For example, a literature review might specify that students must summarize the main points, critically analyze at least three sources, and cite in APA format.
Create Bundles Tied to Grade Levels: Decide on a bundle system where different sets of assignments correlate with different grades. For example, to earn an “A,” a student might need to complete all assignments at a high level plus an additional project, while a “B” requires completing the core assignments without the extra project. Allow students to choose which bundle they want to pursue, giving them autonomy and control over their workload and goals.
Allow for Revision: Specs grading typically includes opportunities for students to revise assignments until they meet the criteria. This approach aligns well with mastery learning principles and gives students the chance to learn from mistakes. In an online course, allowing resubmissions helps students stay motivated and committed to the learning process.
Utilize Rubrics and Checklists: A rubric or checklist can help students clearly understand what’s expected and make the grading process faster and more objective. Checklists for specs grading might include specific, binary items (e.g., “Includes at least three peer-reviewed sources” or “Provides a methodological approach”), making it easy to track completion.
Communicate and Reinforce Expectations: Specs grading might feel unfamiliar to students, so introduce it clearly at the beginning of the course. Explain the purpose of specs grading, walk them through the bundles, and emphasize how this system supports their success. Periodic reminders or FAQs can also help students stay on track and avoid misunderstandings.

Challenges and Solutions in Specifications Grading

As with any grading approach, specs grading comes with its own set of challenges. Here are a few potential issues and how to address them:

Ensuring Consistent Standards: It can be difficult to maintain consistent standards across students, especially in subjective assignments. To address this, create highly specific specs and review your criteria periodically to ensure they’re still relevant and fair.
Student Buy-In: Some students may initially resist the binary nature of specs grading. To build buy-in, explain that specs grading mirrors professional environments, where meeting standards is more relevant than partial completion. Share the benefits of reduced anxiety and more focused learning.
Time Management for Revisions: Allowing revisions can lead to an increased grading load if students frequently resubmit work. Set a maximum number of allowed revisions or implement a timeline for resubmissions (e.g., within one week of receiving feedback).

Conclusion: Why Specifications Grading Makes Sense for Online Graduate Courses

Specifications grading offers a fresh, equitable approach that can be transformative in online graduate education. By focusing on mastery, clarity, and student autonomy, this grading system provides an environment where students can thrive, free from the stress of ambiguous grading criteria or concerns about grade inflation. Inspired by Linda B. Nilson’s work, specs grading empowers students to focus on meeting standards, builds accountability, and streamlines grading for instructors—making it a win-win for online graduate courses.

If you’re looking for a grading system that encourages students to bring their best efforts to the online learning environment, specifications grading might just be the structured yet flexible approach you and your students need.

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