Grading System Basics
Class Effort Grade Basics
Why It Matters
Examples from the Podcast
Impact on Students
100

What are the two types of grades in this system?

Learning Assignments (XP) and Big Assignments.

100

What percent of the total grade is effort?

10%

100

Why is the Grading System important for learning?

It helps students learn from mistakes without punishment.

100

Finish this quote: “It frames daily work as ______, not judgment.”

Development

100

How does the Grading System help students’ attitudes toward mistakes?

They feel more comfortable making mistakes and learning from them.

200

Which type of assignment goes into the official grade book?

Big Assignments.

200

How is the effort grade calculated?

XP earned ÷ XP possible.

200

Why is the Effort Grade important?

It shows that engagement and habits matter, not just final grades.

200

Which system is described as “a really thought-out system designed to build skills and change mindsets”?

The Grading System (XP + Big Assignments).

200

How does the Effort Grade affect class environment?

Creates a more positive and engaging environment.

300

What is the purpose of “XP” in this grading system?

To gamify learning and track practice work.

300

True or False: The effort grade is just about showing up.

False

300

What might happen if we didn’t have the Grading System?

Students would stress about mistakes instead of learning from them.

300

What do both systems (Grading System and Effort Grade) show about the teacher’s approach to learning

That learning is a process focused on growth and effort, not just final scores.

300

What habit does the Effort Grade encourage?

Daily engagement and meaningful contributions.

400

What does daily work focus on. Judgment or development?

Development

400

What does this system formally reward?

Being an active learner (engagement).

400

What might happen if we didn’t have the Effort Grade?

Students would only focus on grades, not the actual learning process.

400

What does the podcast say effort rewards?

The process of being an active learner, a huge life skill.

400

What mindset shift does the Grading System promote?

Growth mindset / seeing mistakes as part of learning.

500

Why is gamifying learning (XP system) better than putting every assignment in the grade book?

It encourages practice, reduces pressure, and makes mistakes part of the learning process.

500

How is the Effort Grade different from a typical “participation grade”?

It’s calculated with XP (objective), not just teacher opinion (subjective).

500

How do the Grading System and Effort Grade together prepare students for life beyond school?

They build habits of engagement, growth mindset, and resilience skills needed in college, careers, and real life.

500

What do both podcast quotes (about development/judgment and active learning) reveal about the overall purpose of these systems?

That grading should focus on growth, engagement, and learning not punishment or just final outcomes.

500

Long-term, how could these grading systems change the way students view school and learning?

Students will see school as a place to grow and practice, not just chase grades, which can make them more motivated and less afraid of mistakes.