A/B Testing Specifications Grading in an Undergraduate Analytics Course

This poster explores the implementation of specifications grading in a large-enrollment, technology-based business course. By shifting the focus from traditional grading to specifications-based assessment, this approach allows students to choose the grade they want—and do the associated work required. Logistics of how this approach was tested is summarized, but results are the focus of this poster. Across all skills evaluated in the course, students in alternatively-graded sections achieved higher passing rates than students in traditionally-graded sections. Additionally, student survey results indicate higher levels of confidence and control with regard to their grades from students in alternatively-graded sections.