Notice that 12 groupings or clusters appear. It is merely a matter of assigning grades to these clusters
(A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, F). The decision as to combining groups and the exact letter
grade to be assigned is up to the motivational policy of the individual instructor. Two possible outcomes

given the above data are as follows:

 

949492 =A 949492 =A

89 89 88 87 86 = B+ = 89 89 88 87 86 = A-

84 =B 84 = B+

82 818080 79= B- 8281808079=B

7777 = C+ 77 77 = B-

75-69 = C 75-69 = C (decided to skip C+)
66 65 = C- 66-59 = C- (Nice guy, isn’t he?)
63 62 = D+ 54 54 = D+ ‘

60 59 59 = D 5251 =D

54 and below = F 47 46 = D-

Each of these grading policy sets will produce a different motivational outcome, but the clustering
technique is the same. Experience indicates that the students enjoy this type of grading since they feel that
they are being evaluated with respect to their peers in a fair and competitive manner. Thus, the conditions
on the exam day, the instructor’s ability to communicate, and the prior experience of the class are
normalized in an equitable manner.

Summary

In conclusion, Cost/Benefit testing, in combination with cluster grading, can validly represent the content
and process knowledge of the students in your classroom. The technique is valid, efficient, fair and
comprehensive. It requires fewer problems per exam and therefore minimizes the grading effort of the
instructor. It utilizes testing time in a constructive manner and affords the greatest opportunity for a student
to demonstrate his skills relative to his peers. An exam designed in this manner will produce a feeling of
fairness. By using these techniques, an instructor will maximize the student's motivation to learn and test
the required mathematics.

Lance Gordon
Instructor of Mathematics

For further information, contact the author at City College of San Diego, 1313 Twelfth Avenue, San Diego,
CA 92101.

 

lo

 

 

 

Suanne D, Roueche, Editor
April 15, 1988, Vol. X, No, 12

INNOVATION ABSTRACTS Is a publication of the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development, EDB 348, The University of
Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, (512)471-7545. Subscriptions are available to nonconsortium members for $35 per year. Funding in
part by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation and Sid W. Richardson Foundation. Issued weekly when classes are in session during fall and spring
terms and once during the summer.

‘ The University of Texas at Austin, 1988

Further duplication is permitted only by MEMBER institutions for their own personnel. ISSN 0199-106X