Search

Abstract Alternative grading strategies are increasingly popular in higher education, but research into the outcomes of these strategies is limited. This scoping review aims to provide an overview of the relevant research regarding alternative grading strategies in undergraduate STEM and identify gaps in the literature to inform future research. This scoping review was done using the stages as described by Arksey and O’Malley (Int J Soc Res Methodol 8(1):19–32, 2005). The results of this review indicate there is a lack of consensus on the theoretical foundation for the benefits of alternative grading and, therefore, limited validated tools being used to capture these benefits. Additionally, we find that research into alternative grading methods tends to occur in both disciplinary and practice-based silos.

The incorporation of evidence-based practices into the classroom increases achievement and retention of students in STEM. However, the effectiveness of these practices depends on the degree to which faculty are knowledgeable about the strategies and implement the strategies in their teaching. This study investigates the familiarity, adoption, and perceived value of six evidence-based learning strategies (EBLSs): concrete examples, dual coding, elaboration, interleaving, retrieval practice, and spaced practice. A national survey was completed by 606 faculty from across the United States who teach various STEM classes in biology, chemistry, and physics. The results from the survey suggest that overall awareness of EBLSs was relatively low, with the exception of using concrete examples. However, faculty report moderately frequent implementation of several EBLSs into their classrooms and assignments. A majority of faculty report relatively high perceived value of the EBLSs, with the exception of interleaving. Results from the current work can inform professional development opportunities for faculty.