Monday 07-10-2019 - 12:36

​The University currently uses generic marking criteria, whereby the majority of our exams and others forms of assessment are marked numerically out of 100.

However, the University Senate has set up a Task and Finish Group to investigate banded marking (also known as banded grading) and to determine whether it should be introduced at the University.

Banded marking is when a 'grade' or a 'band' is assigned to an assessment or exam rather than a 'mark'. Degree classifications – 1^st, 2.1, merit, distinction, etc. – are examples of grades, so the University already uses banded marking at the end of a degree. The Group is now exploring whether we should use it at the end of each assessment, like many other universities in Scotland and worldwide.

The Task and Finish Group is led by Professor Andrea Nelson, Dean of the School of Health and Life Sciences, and has representatives from across the University and the Students' Association. The Group's main aim is to gather information about the marking scheme and to speak to our staff and students, as well as external stakeholders, such as other universities, to gather their views on banded marking, and to feed back the information it gathers to Senate during this academic year.

We want to know what our students think about banded marking.

"Some people believe that a move to banded grading would improve the alignment between assessment rubrics and assessment grades, resulting in more consistent marking approaches and clearer feedback for students” Professor Andrea Nelson

Have your say

To find out more about banded marking, watch a short PowerPoint presentation narrated by Professor Nelson, which outlines its advantages and what the other Scottish universities are doing.

The Group is planning to hold a series of student consultation sessions in October, so have your say and get involved. To be part of our focus group email VP GSBS at VP.GSBS@GCUstudents.co.uk

 In the meantime, to give your views, fill in a short survey or email Professor Nelson using the subject line: 'banded marking'.

 

Susan Docherty
Vice President SCEBE