It's time to connect the pillars of IBL teaching and grading for growth (alternative grading). The idea here is that these two sets of pillars go together and help provide a holistic framework of teaching. The combo is better than the individual components. Peanut butter & jelly. Peas & carrots. Mac & cheese.
IBL pillars:
- Deep engagement in rich mathematics.
- Frequent opportunities for students to collaborate with peers and their instructor(s).
- Instructor inquiry into student thinking.
- Instructor focus on equity.
Alternative grading pillars:
- Clearly defined standards.
- Helpful feedback.
- Marks indicate progress.
- Reattempts without penalty.
Both IBL and grading for growth are frameworks or "big tents," within which are a set of tools for each. Instructors can select tools to address the needs and challenges in their teaching context.
When you are planning your next course, use the great 8 pillars!
Disclaimer The number of pillars can change over time. So this might be the fab five or the nine pillars someday. The number doesn't matter. The combination of IBL teaching and grading for growth is what matters.
