The Voices of the New Majority of Professors: The Adjuncts Speak

Abstract

The results of this phenomenological study reveal the attitudes of adjunct college and university professors in the U.S. toward grade inflation. The 23 participants encompassed a range of ages, experience levels, geographic areas, education levels, and races. Semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions are used to explore 23 adjunct’s lived experiences with grade inflation. Three research questions directed the study: What experiences have adjunct faculty members working in a four-year college or university had with grade inflation? How do adjunct faculty members working in a four-year college or university perceive grade inflation? How do adjunct faculty members working a four-year college or university interpret their experiences with grade inflation? Findings substantiated that adjuncts have definite ideas about how to curb grade inflation, including increased training, increased resources, and use of rubrics. We concluded these results are useful for aiding college administrators in determining what the new majority, or adjuncts, believe should change in the area of grade inflation and future researchers should do further qualitative and quantitative research on grade inflation and adjuncts. Key words: Adjunct, grades, grade inflation, higher education, new majority