UNgrading flier

UNgrading – Why Rating Students Undermines Learning (and What to Do Instead)

2025 Spring Scholarship of Teaching & Learning Book Discussion Series

The moment is right for critical reflection on what has been assumed to be a core part of schooling. In UNgrading, fifteen educators write about their diverse experiences going gradeless. Some contributors are new to the practice, and some have been engaging in it for decades. Some are in humanities and social sciences, some in STEM fields. Some are in higher education, but some are the K–12 pioneers who led the way.

Based on rigorous and replicated research, this book shows why and how faculty who wish to focus on learning, rather than sorting or judging, might proceed. It includes honest reflection on what makes ungrading challenging, and testimonials about what makes it transformative.

A limited number of complimentary copies are available thanks to funding support from the IU Columbus Office of Academic and Student Affairs, the IU Columbus Center for Teaching and Learning, and a grant from IU Faculty Academy on Excellence in Teaching (FACET). To receive a copy, you are required to participate in at least one (1) in person book discussion (see dates below). Contact Marsha VanNahmen (mvannahm@iu.edu or 812-375-7576) to reserve your copy of the book. All are welcome to purchase a book (ISBN 978-1-949199-82-6) and join in the discussions. You may download the e-book at https://iucat.iu.edu/catalog/19046806 .

• Discussion 1 – UNgrading Overview with Dr. Susan D. Blum
  • Friday, January 24, 2025, 1:00 to 2:00 pm in the CLC Lecture Hall
    Author Susan D. Blum will join us remotely for an overview of UNgrading
• Discussion 2 – Introduction and Foundations & Models (pages 1 – 87) – Lunch Provided
  • Friday, February 14, 2025, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm in the Summerville Meeting Room
    Discussion facilitated by Terence Govender, Instructional Technology Consultant IU Columbus
• Discussion 3 – Practices (pages 91 – 170) – Lunch Provided
  • Friday, March 7, 2025, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm in the Summerville Meeting Room
    Discussion facilitated by Julie Mendez, Associate Professor of Practice, School of Engineering Technology, Purdue University
• Discussion 4 – Reflections (pages 173 – 227) – Lunch Provided
  • Friday, April 11, 2025, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm in the Summerville Meeting Room
    Discussion facilitated by Julie Goodspeed-Chadwick and Becky Morse