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McDuff, S., McDuff, D., Farace, J., Kelly, C., Savoia, M. and Mandel, J. (2014) Evaluating a Grading Change at UCSD School of Medicine: Pass/Fail Grading Is Associated with Decreased Performance on Preclinical Exams but Unchanged Performance on USMLE Step 1 Scores. BMC Medical Education, 14, 1-15.

has been cited by the following article:

• TITLE: Pass/Fail and Discretionary Grading: A Snapshot of Their Influences on Learning

  AUTHORS: Sherri Melrose

  KEYWORDS: Pass/Fail Grading, Discretionary Grading, Norm-Referenced Grading, Criteria-Referenced Grading

  JOURNAL NAME: Open Journal of Nursing, Vol.7 No.2, February 14, 2017

  ABSTRACT: This article provides a snapshot of pass/fail and discretionary grading approaches, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each. Norm-referenced and criterion-referenced grading practices and their associations with learning are identified. A brief historical backdrop illustrates how grading practices have evolved. The inherent subjectivity of grading is emphasized. Pass/fail grading supports intrinsic motivation and self-direction, but limits opportunities for recognizing excelling students. Discretionary grading, which includes letter (F- to A+) and numeric (0% to 100%) representations, supports extrinsic motivation and self-improvement, but promotes unhealthy competition. Both approaches have merit and can effectively measure student achievement in nursing education programs.