Using standards-based assessment and reporting in a general education acoustics course

Standards-based assessment and reporting is a method of grading in which each student is responsible for demonstrating mastery of a set of course objectives called standards. In this course, students are assessed on each standard using short assessments that resemble a quiz, usually one or two pages long. Each standard is assigned a rating on a 5-step scale. The student's ratings throughout the semester determine the final grade the student will earn. If a student is not satisfied with a rating on an assessment, they are allowed to reassess the standard to demonstrate they have developed a fuller understanding of the topic. This method of student assessment is intended to encourage students to develop intrinsic motivation for learning the course material. Students are also not penalized for having a bad exam or quiz score due to unforeseen circumstances. Students often report that they need time at the start of the semester to get used to the grading system but that they ultimately see the benefit to their learning.