WIP: Lessons Learned from Applying Standards-based Grading to a Software Verification Course

Abstract

One of the newer approaches to grading and assessment is standards-based grading. Standards Based Grading, otherwise known as SBG, directly measures student's proficiency in a course based upon specific course learning outcomes. This approach offers an alternative to traditional, summative based grading systems. Thus far, there have been very few attempts to integrate standards-based grading into computing fields. This work in progress paper will discuss the process of how SBG is being integrated in a sophomore level software verification course. The paper will include a listing of the specific concepts assessed in the course as well as a discussion of the mechanisms used to provide feedback to students on their performance. The paper will also provide a discussion of the challenges of integrating SBG into a college course, and some of the reasons why a complete SBG approach has not yet been undertaken for the course.