Six Tips for Handling Grade Complaints

by Peter Connor It’s a given—students are going to complain about the grades they receive. Also given, is your responsibility to handle such complaints. Generally speaking, this will go far better if you pre-establish your classroom protocols, put them in writing and discuss them on the first day of class. Include a page in your syllabus providing a clear picture of your grading policy, the criteria by which grades will be earned, and any attendance and class participation requirements that play into the formula. In addition, spell out the circumstances by which a grade might be reviewed and changed. You’ve […]