Skylight Speaker Series - A New-Old Way of Doing Assessment: Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Ungrading in a Pandemic
From Amber Schroeder
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Recording from the Skylight Speaker Series session on March 14, 2023:
A New-Old Way of Doing Assessment: Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Ungrading in a Pandemic
Presented by Angela Letendre and Rebekah Bennetch
Part of the Skylight Speaker Series: Teaching and Learning in Science through the Lens of Indigeneity, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, sponsored by UBC Science's Strategic Innovation Fund.
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented educators with a unique opportunity to re-evaluate traditional teaching methods, including their approaches to grading. In response to our changing times, an alternative to traditional assessment, called "ungrading," has been gaining popularity in many educational circles (Strommel, 2018; Blum, 2020). Our presentation will explore the benefits of ungrading, particularly in its alignment with Indigenous ways of knowing: promoting self-determination, reciprocal relationships, and deep thinking, all of which are crucial for student growth (Steinhauer et al., 2020). As two teachers from diverse academic backgrounds, we will share our experiences of implementing alternative assessment methods in both polytechnic and university settings. We will discuss how ungrading has transformed our teaching methods, relationships with students, and the overall learning experience in the classroom. Through discussion and reflection, participants will explore ways to apply ungrading principles to their teaching practices. We will share tips on how to integrate alternative assessment into instructional methods, making grading a more positive and engaging process for both teacher and student. Our presentation aims to demonstrate that knowledge exists across our student population, our educators, and the land we teach on. We believe that assessment can shift from prioritizing recall and grades to fostering more reciprocal learning relationships, aligning with Indigenous ways of knowing and the interests of students, and creating an enriching learning environment.
About the Presenters:
A New-Old Way of Doing Assessment: Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Ungrading in a Pandemic
Presented by Angela Letendre and Rebekah Bennetch
Part of the Skylight Speaker Series: Teaching and Learning in Science through the Lens of Indigeneity, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, sponsored by UBC Science's Strategic Innovation Fund.
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented educators with a unique opportunity to re-evaluate traditional teaching methods, including their approaches to grading. In response to our changing times, an alternative to traditional assessment, called "ungrading," has been gaining popularity in many educational circles (Strommel, 2018; Blum, 2020). Our presentation will explore the benefits of ungrading, particularly in its alignment with Indigenous ways of knowing: promoting self-determination, reciprocal relationships, and deep thinking, all of which are crucial for student growth (Steinhauer et al., 2020). As two teachers from diverse academic backgrounds, we will share our experiences of implementing alternative assessment methods in both polytechnic and university settings. We will discuss how ungrading has transformed our teaching methods, relationships with students, and the overall learning experience in the classroom. Through discussion and reflection, participants will explore ways to apply ungrading principles to their teaching practices. We will share tips on how to integrate alternative assessment into instructional methods, making grading a more positive and engaging process for both teacher and student. Our presentation aims to demonstrate that knowledge exists across our student population, our educators, and the land we teach on. We believe that assessment can shift from prioritizing recall and grades to fostering more reciprocal learning relationships, aligning with Indigenous ways of knowing and the interests of students, and creating an enriching learning environment.
About the Presenters:
Angela Letendre, M.Ed. has a Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan and completed her Master of Education from the University of Regina and Gabriel Dumont Institute in 2021. She has taught adult education her entire 25 years and is now a Faculty member in the Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Business, Prince Albert campus. Angela grounds the courses she teaches in miyo wahkohtowin (good relationships) as the foundation for learning and teaching. She is an authentic educator currently studying leadership and pursuing a diploma in Business Management. Angela believes it is important to model lifelong learning and to be passionate about what she teaches.
Rebekah Bennetch is a Lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan's Graham School of Professional Development in the College of Engineering, where she teaches technical communication and public speaking courses. Additionally, Rebekah is a doctoral candidate and will soon start her dissertation research in a cross-disciplinary education program. Her research interests center around implementing trauma-informed teaching practices, developing rapport with students in the classroom, and utilizing narrative inquiry methods to foster connections with fellow faculty. Rebekah also engages with the education community through Twitter, where she can be found at @grrrlmeetworld.
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