What does criterion-referenced grading evaluate?

Criterion-referenced grading evaluates a student’s performance based on specific criteria or learning outcomes defined by the instructor or educational institution. This type of grading measures whether each student has met predetermined standards, rather than comparing students against one another or ranking them within a curve.

In this context, criterion-referenced assessments focus on assessing individual mastery of skills or knowledge, providing a clear understanding of what is required to achieve a particular grade. This approach aims to ensure that all students are evaluated consistently based on the same expectations, allowing for a more individualized and fair assessment of their capabilities.

Choosing to evaluate students independently of others allows for a more objective measurement, as each student's performance is assessed in relation to specific educational goals rather than through comparative methods that can introduce bias.