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Forum Faculty Podcast

On Grades: Building or Breaking Growth?

In this episode of the Forum Faculty podcast, host Tom Cox is joined by Mike Hude, Joel Sellier, and Shane O’Neill to delve into the complexities and controversies surrounding grades in education. The discussion covers the transactional nature of grades, how they can detract from genuine learning, and the ways in which teachers can use grades as both motivational tools and communication devices. The teachers share personal anecdotes and experiences, debate the merits of public versus private grades, and explore potential alternatives to traditional grading systems. The conversation wraps up with reflections on how grades affect students’ identities, parent expectations, and the long-term implications for higher education and careers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
00:42 What’s Wrong with Grades?
02:03 Grades as a Motivational Tool
03:07 Effort vs. Mastery in Grading
05:29 Subjectivity and Objectivity in Grading
13:05 Student Identity and Grades
16:38 Teacher Strategies and Challenges
33:29 Public vs. Private Grades
35:45 Healthy Shame in Grades
36:16 The Wall of Shame for Teachers
36:43 Reflecting on Test Grades
39:55 Parental Pressure and College Expectations
45:45 Lessons Learned from Grades
59:16 The Value of Grades and Feedback
01:05:08 Concluding Thoughts

About the Authors

Michael Hude

College Counselor, Ninth Grade Core
Michael Hude joined the faculty at The Heights in 2009 and teaches 9th Grade Core and History of Western Thought, while also serving as a College Counselor. Prior to coming to The Heights, Michael served as the Director of the Elementary Tenley Achievement Program (TAP), a non-profit organization that mentors at-risk youth in the greater Washington,...
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Joel Sellier

Director of Summer Programs, Math
Joel Sellier joined the faculty of The Heights School in 2004. He is the Director of Summer Programs, as well as an upper school math and computer science teacher. Mr. Sellier’s classes include Geometry, Intro to Computer Science and Business Computing Applications. He also coaches the varsity golf team. Mr. Sellier graduated from The College of W...
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Shane O'Neill

Eighth Grade Core, Middle School Science

Shane O’Neill is the Varsity Rugby coach and a member of the middle school faculty at The Heights, teaching sixth grade. He is a 2006 graduate of the School and earned his B.A. in Politics from the University of Dallas. He and wife Libby reside in Damascus, Maryland.

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