Experience Report: Standards-Based Grading at Scale in Algorithms

TL;DR

This paper shares experiences of implementing standards-based grading at scale in a large Algorithms course, emphasizing its role during COVID-19 and discussing successes and future adjustments.

Contribution

It provides a detailed account of applying standards-based grading in a large, multi-instructor Algorithms course and reflects on its impact during the pandemic.

Findings

Supported student learning during COVID-19 pandemic

Identified successes in grading implementation

Discussed adjustments for future course improvements

Abstract

We report our experiences implementing standards-based grading at scale in an Algorithms course, which serves as the terminal required CS Theory course in our department's undergraduate curriculum. The course had 200-400 students, taught by two instructors, eight graduate teaching assistants, and supported by two additional graders and several undergraduate course assistants. We highlight the role of standards-based grading in supporting our students during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conclude by detailing the successes and adjustments we would make to the course structure.