Implementing specifications grading in MPA courses: A potential strategy for better work-life balance

ABSTRACT

Public administration scholarship has documented the effectiveness of rubrics in assessing student competencies within classrooms and across MPA programs. Rubrics are one of many innovative techniques, however. As we advance pedagogy in public administration, scholars should consider additional grading techniques and evaluate a grading system beyond just its effectiveness. To fill this gap, I overview a new grading approach called specifications grading, which was developed by sociologist Linda Nilson. I explain its structure and offer an example of how I implemented it in a graduate-level public administration course, and then I summarize my experience and how students viewed the specifications grading. Finally, I conclude with challenges faculty may face in implementing the system as well as opportunities for a better work-life balance through a potentially more efficient grading method.

KEYWORDS:

• Specifications grading
• public administration
• work-life balance

Notes

1. Of course, instructors may allow a student opportunities to resubmit any assignment that had not met specifications without requiring a pass.

2. The difference in student motivation between specifications grading and the traditional grading system is not without controversy, as some faculty contend students need to complete all assignments or that this structure represses motivation for otherwise driven students. Specifications grading requires students maintain proficiency throughout the semester, instead of “phoning it in” on assignments later in the semester. On net, this might indicate an increase in motivation.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Peter A. Jones

Peter A. Jones, PhD, of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at the University of Alabama at Birmingham researches public budgeting and finance, research methods, K-12 funding, and financial ramification of education policy issues. His research appears in Public Performance & Management Review, Metron, American Review of Public Administration, and the Journal of Education Finance.