Using specifications grading in a BSN honors program to promote engagement and competency

Abstract

Specifications grading is an alternative grading scheme based on use of rubrics and completion of grade bundles rather than traditional points and percentages. Use of specifications grading is associated with increased student engagement, as completion of higher grade bundles (e.g, A, B) demonstrates greater self-driven mastery of content. While specifications grading has been used across a variety of academic fields, limited evidence exists on the use of specifications in undergraduate nursing education. We implemented specifications grading in our BSN Honors Program in the Summer 2020 semester to promote student engagement and reduce faculty and student stress during the transition to an online learning environment. The purpose of this paper is to describe our experience with development and implementation of specifications grading in a BSN Honors Program.