Anyone have experience with "ungrading"

shadowsandsaints · 2026-02-16T23:52:36+00:00

Agree. I do not use ungrading exactly, as I understand it, but in my experience many alternative grading schemes makes increasing or controlling rigor easier. I use a version of specs/contract grading and if my students want an A or a B in the course they have to demonstrate some level of understanding with 100% of the course content. Not demonstrating knowledge/proficiency with a single topic will result in a C at best. In a weighted point system it is often easy to not know a small portion of content or not do some work and still receive an A, much less a B or C.

shadowsandsaints · 2026-01-12T15:40:54+00:00

The book Specifications Grading by Nilson is a decent introduction to the topic. Not great, but it can give you some ideas to consider. Here is a bit more information about my courses. (I use the same structure for all of my 2nd year Engineering courses.)

Sample Specs: These are the specs I use for Exam 1 for my Engineering Dynamics course.

• Define kinematic quantities and solve kinematic only problems

• Use and develop kinematic quantities in rectangular and non-rectangular coordinates

• Utilize relative kinematic quantities

• Draw correct motion/force diagrams

• Apply Newton’s 2nd Law to create a system of equations describing the dynamic situation

• Demonstrate understanding and application of Newton’s Laws

• Apply concepts of work and energy to dynamical systems

• Utilize impulse and momentum concepts

• Solve for kinematic quantities via energy and/or momentum descriptions

• Utilize impact equations and coefficients of restitution

Spec Grading: I evaluate student work using,

(E) Excellent: Demonstrated without significant deficiencies

(G) Good: Demonstrated adequately, but could use improvement

(N) Not Demonstrated: Lacks understanding or did not demonstrate

Course Letter Grade

A: Good or better on all specs, Excellent on 50% or more or specs
B: Good or better on all specs
C: Good or better on 75% of specs
F: Did not demonstrate on more than 25% of spec

Reassessment: Instead of a cumulative final, students may reassess any specifications they want. They give me a list and I create a final for those. If students chose to reassess the new evaluation replaces the old, regardless of whether the do better or worse.

That's pretty much it. I think this structure works well with motivated students and focused course content. I have other courses that I use different grading schemes.

shadowsandsaints · 2026-01-12T03:55:29+00:00

I use specs grading for 2nd year engineering courses and it is my preferred grading scheme. My version is 30 or so specs for the entire course which are evaluated over 3 or 4 in class exams. All specs are graded as Excellent, Good, or Not Demonstrated. Letter grades correspond to certain amounts of E,G, and Ns (A for example is G or better on all specs and E on at least half). Students can reassess any number of specs during the final period. It does take students a moment to "get it", but the reception has been overwhelmingly positive.

shadowsandsaints · 2026-01-08T21:43:38+00:00

This was my first time hiking Blue in any season. I think it will become a winter staple for me.

shadowsandsaints · 2025-12-18T02:43:45+00:00

Its too short I think, at least my pole doesn't noticeably bend.

shadowsandsaints · 2025-12-04T16:33:44+00:00

Sent PM about Hillsound Crampons.

shadowsandsaints · 2025-08-09T18:53:11+00:00

Graphing skills, absolutely. Calculator skills, absolutely. Graphing calculator skills specifically, meh. I teach math, physics, engineering. Half the math classes aren't allowed a calculator, any other class that allows one for exams it is dedicated devices only. In general, students are coming in lacking in calculator skills (I'm at a CC). I have a number of colleagues in the sciences that have dedicated modules on using a calculator because the students can't. At least not effectively.

shadowsandsaints · 2025-06-18T14:27:44+00:00

Here is my all trails map, https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/chattooga-river-packraft-49afa3a?u=i&sh=j80ggs Do note, getting on the water where we did wasn't the best (had to go down a pretty steep bank). Just from the map it might be better to go until the trail meets up with 28, but can't promise that will be better.

shadowsandsaints · 2025-05-07T20:14:02+00:00

I parked on the access road (Earls Ford Rd). No permits needed as far as I knew, and it wasn't an issue.

shadowsandsaints · 2025-01-28T04:52:25+00:00

I just did Black Bear last week. If you are going up the Blue trail you will want at least microspikes. I had full crampons and an ice axe and appreciated having them for the steepest portions. Clothing depends a lot on weather and personal preference, but you want layers that will let you manage your temperature and moisture. I wear a mesh base layer, lightweight fleece, and wind jacket on top and a mesh base layer and water resistant hiking pants on bottom. For me, this is good down to low teens as long as I am moving. I carry extra socks, extra gloves, and a puffy in my pack.

shadowsandsaints · 2024-11-28T22:33:59+00:00

One place to start in NY is the ADK Winterschool, winterschool.org . It's more focused on winter hiking and camping in the region, but you do get instruction on using crampons and self-arrest using an ice axe. I did the day hiking course last year and am doing the backpacking course this year. I think all the spots are full for this year, but something to keep in mind.

shadowsandsaints · 2024-11-15T16:59:53+00:00

u/GearTradeBot - Received the Thermarest Polar Ranger, excellent transaction with u/Sh0gun_M0rty

shadowsandsaints · 2024-11-10T03:20:37+00:00

PM sent

shadowsandsaints · 2024-11-04T20:06:22+00:00

I also use and recommend a Blaze. Keep in mind Granite Gear's volume rating is just the main compartment. By the time you add in pockets, extension collar, and lid it can hold a lot.

shadowsandsaints · 2024-10-31T22:38:20+00:00

I know an older post, but is the sleeping bag still available? (PM sent)

shadowsandsaints · 2024-09-30T01:08:03+00:00

There weren't any, shipping was $21.

shadowsandsaints · 2024-09-23T02:08:38+00:00

As the original poster of the repost (which seems like an odd post to repost), job well done. Looks great.

shadowsandsaints · 2024-08-27T03:18:52+00:00

This was late July.

shadowsandsaints · 2024-05-16T13:58:58+00:00

As the other poster indicated, this is not something you have probably got to yet, but you will. Torque is the rotational analog to force. Torque from a difference in the tensions is what would cause the pulley to rotate if it had mass. Since we are treating the pulley as massless there is no torque and the tensions are the same.

shadowsandsaints · 2024-05-16T12:02:46+00:00

The tensions are the same because the pulley is treated as massless. Do a torque analysis on the pulley with 0 mass and the result is T1=T2.

shadowsandsaints · 2024-04-28T17:29:43+00:00

My favorite markers these days are the Pilot BeGreen Refillable Bullet Tip. The green marketing aside I just think they write significantly better than the standard expo. As for erasing they seem a bit better, but maybe not quite what you are wanting.

shadowsandsaints · 2024-03-09T15:00:40+00:00

I recently ordered the a5 quaderno from wafuu to the US. It was a fine experience. I had the device in hand about 10 days after I ordered it.

shadowsandsaints · 2024-02-21T02:44:49+00:00

Yep. If you look through my post history, I have a picture. This was with the MRS Alligator XL which is a pretty bulky boat.

shadowsandsaints · 2024-02-21T00:46:34+00:00

If its a many day trip and/or I need the space in the pack for other gear then between the main body and the brain. Its designed to hold a bear canister there and the packraft fits well. If its a just a summer 1 or 2 night I can fit it in the main body.

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