What do grades mean? What purpose do they serve? What role do they play in the learning process? Teachers and scholars have recently begun to re-examine these questions central to our current grading system. As a result, many have started to re-assess how grades are assigned in their classes. In this case study, I examine the effectiveness of ungrading, an approach centered around students assigning their own grades through reflecting on the learning process. After contextualizing and describing the approach developed for this fully online, asynchronous history class, I share quantitative and qualitative data regarding student perceptions, motivation, and information usage to argue that systems such as ungrading have potential for contributing to the construction of highly effective and meaningful learning environments.

The focus of the present study is whether student engagement as measured at the class level via the Classroom Level Survey of Student Engagement (CLASSE) is associated with higher levels of student satisfaction. To do so, we administered the CLASSE survey to 370 first-year, sophomore, junior, and senior students across nine classrooms. There were no statistically significant relationships between student engagement and overall satisfaction. When analyzed with student responses to questions about their satisfaction in the classroom, we found no variation in student satisfaction by race, gender, or class level. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

The focus of the present study is whether student engagement as measured at the class level via the Classroom Level Survey of Student Engagement (CLASSE) is associated with higher levels of student satisfaction. To do so, we administered the CLASSE survey to 370 first-year, sophomore, junior, and senior students across nine classrooms. There were no statistically significant relationships between student engagement and overall satisfaction. When analyzed with student responses to questions about their satisfaction in the classroom, we found no variation in student satisfaction by race, gender, or class level. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

Online tutoring is made possible by using videos to replace or supplement face to face services. The purpose of this research was to examine student reactions to the use of lecture capture technology in a university tutoring setting and to assess student knowledge of some features of Tegrity lecture capture software. A survey was administered to traditional age undergraduates (N = 272; mostly white females) and the results indicate viewing of videos was primarily off campus. Applying a technology acceptance model, the respondents reported the software was generally easy to use though they expressed a lack of familiarity of some features. Human resource development and adult educators, who provide or use tutoring services may incorporate the findings in development of videos. Recommendations for video users and developers and software vendors are included as well as suggestions for future research.

What does it mean to teach intercultural competence? Do we need to travel to “other” places? In what way does content need to reflect the traditions of “other” cultures? How can popular musics inform our teaching of these skills? Drawing on the guidelines in the AAC&U Intercultural Knowledge and Competence VALUE Rubric, I argue heavy metal music can serve as a model for using music to increase students’ intercultural knowledge, competency, and awareness, as well as their ability to critically reflect on issues in their own society, including gender, race, and class. I provide background on the genre and explore why it serves as a useful tool for intercultural learning conversations. In making direct connections between the measures in the VALUE rubric and class activities and concepts, this approach can model how others may incorporate intercultural learning and competencies into a wide range of courses.