Grading is an extremely important and largely unexamined piece of the classroom puzzle. In this weekly podcast, Sharona Krinsky and Robert Bosley, two long time classroom instructors from the K-12 and Higher Ed worlds, explore the nuts and bolts of grading student work. From looking at traditional grading practices to other types of grading such as alternative grading, equitable grading, ungrading, and more, join us as we and our guests provide the research, practices, and details needed to create a more effective grading practice that supports student learning and success. For more information, check out our website, https://www.thegradingpod.com
The Grading Podcast
Claim This Podcastby Sharona Krinsky and Robert Bosley
5.0(11 reviews)
151 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇺🇸
57
Podcast Authority
BetaFairBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality80
Social0
YouTube0
Engagement82
Podcast Overview
Grading is an extremely important and largely unexamined piece of the classroom puzzle. In this weekly podcast, Sharona Krinsky and Robert Bosley, two long time classroom instructors from the K-12 and Higher Ed worlds, explore the nuts and bolts of grading student work. From looking at traditional grading practices to other types of grading such as alternative grading, equitable grading, ungrading, and more, join us as we and our guests provide the research, practices, and details needed to create a more effective grading practice that supports student learning and success. For more information, check out our website, https://www.thegradingpod.com
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
5/20/2023
Unlock The Full Podcast Authority Score Report
See how your podcast performs across key metrics
57
Podcast Authority
BetaFairBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality80
Social0
YouTube0
Engagement82
7
Excellent Areas
2
Good Performance
10
Growth Opportunities
excellent
Publishing Consistency
Every 7 days
Performing excellently!
good
Show Notes Quality
3.0/5
Recommendations available
Unlock the full report to see detailed tips
poor
Episode Thumbnails
Recommendations available
Unlock the full report to see detailed tips
+16 More Metrics
Unlock comprehensive insights including:
- • YouTube presence analysis
- • Social media reach metrics
- • RSS compliance scoring
- • Podcast 2.0 features
- • Technical standards
What's Included in Your Full Report
Detailed Analytics
- Complete breakdown of all 19 authority metrics
- Personalized recommendations for each metric
- Industry benchmarks and comparisons
- Technical RSS feed analysis and compliance scoring
Growth Strategies
- Step-by-step action plans for improvement
- Quick wins to boost your score immediately
- Pro tips from successful podcasters
Get your free podcast insights report
See how your show performs across every key metric
Instant delivery
No spam
Attract Better Guests
High authority scores make your podcast more attractive to industry leaders and influencers who want to appear on credible shows.
Secure Sponsorships
Sponsors look for podcasts with proven authority and engagement. Your score demonstrates your podcast's value to potential partners.
Grow Your Audience
Understanding your strengths and weaknesses helps you make data-driven decisions to expand your listener base effectively.
Reach the team behind The Grading Podcast
Verified contact details for this show aren't on file yet — sign up to get notified when they land.
Recent Episodes
May 26, 2026
150 - Finding Joy in Teaching Again with Kimberly Ellen Hall and Dan Guberman
<p>In this episode, Sharona and Boz are joined by Dan Guberman and Kimberly Ellen Hall to reflect on a recent Grading for Growth post exploring how alternative grading can make teaching more joyful. The conversation moves beyond the usual student-centered arguments for grading reform and instead examines how abandoning points-based systems can fundamentally transform instructors’ relationships with their work, their students, and even themselves. Drawing on experiences from music conservatories, art schools, mathematics classrooms, and online humanities courses, the group discusses everything from attendance and student motivation to embodied learning, handwritten reflection, and the emotional exhaustion caused by traditional grading systems. Along the way, they explore how alternative grading shifts classroom conversations away from compliance and toward genuine engagement, why arts education offers important lessons for all disciplines, and how grading reform can open space for creativity, connection, and meaningful learning.</p><p><span class="ql-size-large">Links</span></p><p>Please note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!</p><ul><li><a href="https://gradingforgrowth.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Grading that Feels Good</a>, the Grading for Growth Blog</li><li><a href="https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/how-the-body-shapes-knowledge-intro-sample.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">An Introduction to the Theory of Embodied Cognition</a></li></ul><br/><p><span class="ql-size-large">Resources</span></p><p><a href="https://www.centerforgradingreform.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Center for Grading Reform</a> - seeking to advance education in the United States by supporting effective grading reform at all levels through conferences, educational workshops, professional development, research and scholarship, influencing public policy, and community building.</p><p><a href="https://www.thegradingconference.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Grading Conference</a> - an annual, online conference exploring Alternative Grading in Higher Education & K-12.</p><p>Some great resources to educate yourself about Alternative Grading:</p><ul><li><a href="https://gradingforgrowth.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Grading for Growth Blog</a></li><li><a href="https://www.thegradingconference.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Grading Conference</a></li><li><a href="https://intentionalacademia.substack.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Intentional Academia Blog</a></li></ul><br/><p>Recommended Books on Alternative Grading:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Grading-Growth-Alternative-Practices-Engagement/dp/1642673811/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2AY77FRS7LWBJ&amp;keywords=grading+for+growth&amp;qid=1690223954&amp;sprefix=grading+for+growth%252Caps%252C122&amp;sr=8-1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=thegradingpod-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=fe8d967e9ef22adcf74c58fbd3b9392b&camp=1789&creative=9325" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Grading for Growth</a>, by Robert Talbert and David Clark</li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Specifications-Grading-Restoring-Motivating-Students/dp/1620362422/ref=sr_1_1?crid=IIE9IBXJOZY9&amp;keywords=specifications+grading&amp;qid=1690228778&amp;sprefix=specifications+grading%252Caps%252C131&amp;sr=8-1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=thegradingpod-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=488cafcb421ce6921a7790e129a928b7&camp=1789&creative=9325" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Specifications Grading</a>, by Linda Nilsen</li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CFCZ5VCS?ref_=cm_sw_p_kb_dp&tag=thegradingpod-20&linkCode=kpe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Undoing the Grade</a>, by Jesse Stommel</li></ul><br/><p>Follow us on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram - @thegradingpod. To leave us a comment, please go to our website: www.thegradingpod.com and leave a comment on this episode's page.</p><p>If you would like to be considered to be a guest on this show, please reach out using the Contact Us form on our website, <a href="https://www.thegradingpod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.thegradingpod.com</a>.</p><p>All content of this podcast and website are solely the opinions of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the views of California State University Los Angeles or the Los Angeles Unified School District.</p><p><span class="ql-size-large">Music</span></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuEhnFL_D38" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Country Rock performed by Lite Saturation</a>, licensed under a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.</p>
May 19, 2026
149 - Building a Classroom About Learning: Alt Grading in an Introduction to Theater Arts class with Teresa Focarile
<p>In this episode, Sharona and Boz are joined by Teresa Focarile, Director of Educational Development at Boise State University, to discuss her first semester implementing an alternative grading system in an Introduction to Theater course. Teresa shares how moving away from weighted averages toward a blend of specifications and mastery-based grading transformed not only the clarity of her course, but also the way students engaged with learning itself. Through transparent grade pathways, co-created rubrics, opportunities for revision, and clearly articulated learning levels like “informed audience member” and “theater artist,” students reported feeling more empowered, less anxious, and more focused on genuine learning rather than point accumulation. The conversation explores everything from the challenges of tracking systems and feedback loops to the realities of implementing alternative grading as an adjunct faculty member, while also highlighting how arts education naturally raises important questions about what grades should actually communicate. Throughout the episode, a central theme emerges: when grading systems become more transparent and human-centered, students are more likely to see the classroom as a place designed to support learning rather than simply sort performance.</p><p><span class="ql-size-large">Links</span></p><p>Please note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!</p><ul><li><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gt75H_q3aW97RgHYmyUaQeoidFvbAHs6/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111539319934850637310&rtpof=true&sd=true" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Intro to Theater Syllabus, by Teresa Focarile</a></li></ul><br/><p><span class="ql-size-large">Resources</span></p><p><a href="https://www.centerforgradingreform.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Center for Grading Reform</a> - seeking to advance education in the United States by supporting effective grading reform at all levels through conferences, educational workshops, professional development, research and scholarship, influencing public policy, and community building.</p><p><a href="https://www.thegradingconference.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Grading Conference</a> - an annual, online conference exploring Alternative Grading in Higher Education & K-12.</p><p>Some great resources to educate yourself about Alternative Grading:</p><ul><li><a href="https://gradingforgrowth.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Grading for Growth Blog</a></li><li><a href="https://www.thegradingconference.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Grading Conference</a></li><li><a href="https://intentionalacademia.substack.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Intentional Academia Blog</a></li></ul><br/><p>Recommended Books on Alternative Grading:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Grading-Growth-Alternative-Practices-Engagement/dp/1642673811/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2AY77FRS7LWBJ&amp;keywords=grading+for+growth&amp;qid=1690223954&amp;sprefix=grading+for+growth%252Caps%252C122&amp;sr=8-1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=thegradingpod-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=fe8d967e9ef22adcf74c58fbd3b9392b&camp=1789&creative=9325" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Grading for Growth</a>, by Robert Talbert and David Clark</li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Specifications-Grading-Restoring-Motivating-Students/dp/1620362422/ref=sr_1_1?crid=IIE9IBXJOZY9&amp;keywords=specifications+grading&amp;qid=1690228778&amp;sprefix=specifications+grading%252Caps%252C131&amp;sr=8-1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=thegradingpod-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=488cafcb421ce6921a7790e129a928b7&camp=1789&creative=9325" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Specifications Grading</a>, by Linda Nilsen</li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CFCZ5VCS?ref_=cm_sw_p_kb_dp&tag=thegradingpod-20&linkCode=kpe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Undoing the Grade</a>, by Jesse Stommel</li></ul><br/><p>Follow us on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram - @thegradingpod. To leave us a comment, please go to our website: www.thegradingpod.com and leave a comment on this episode's page.</p><p>If you would like to be considered to be a guest on this show, please reach out using the Contact Us form on our website, <a href="https://www.thegradingpod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.thegradingpod.com</a>.</p><p>All content of this podcast and website are solely the opinions of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the views of California State University Los Angeles or the Los Angeles Unified School District.</p><p><span class="ql-size-large">Music</span></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuEhnFL_D38" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Country Rock performed by Lite Saturation</a>, licensed under a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.</p>
May 12, 2026
148 - Oral Exams, Feedback Loops, and the Future of Assessment
<p>In this episode, Sharona and Boz explore what assessment might look like in a world increasingly shaped by AI. Starting with a recent article from faculty at Middlebury College challenging institutions to recenter learning rather than ranking students, the conversation moves into a provocative discussion of oral exams, authentic assessment, and the growing limitations of traditional testing. The hosts unpack a history professor’s experiment with 71 oral final exams in 12 days, reflecting on the power of conversation-based assessment to deepen feedback, strengthen trust, and reveal genuine student understanding in ways that written exams often cannot. Along the way, they connect these ideas to their own classroom experiences, the challenges AI poses for validating student work, and the need for assessments that emphasize creativity, revision, human interaction, and meaningful thinking over rote production. Ultimately, the episode argues that the future of grading reform may depend not only on changing how we grade, but on fundamentally reimagining how we assess learning itself. </p><p><span class="ql-size-large">Links</span></p><p>Please note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.middleburycampus.com/article/2026/04/recentering-learning-when-we-talk-about-grades" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Recentering learning when we talk about grades</a></li><li><a href="https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/educational-assessment/what-i-learned-from-giving-71-oral-exams-in-12-days/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">What I learned from giving 71 oral exams in 12 days</a></li><li><a href="https://gradingforgrowth.com/p/finding-meaningful-moments-in-a-merger" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Finding Meaningful Moments in a Merger</a></li></ul><br/><p><span class="ql-size-large">Resources</span></p><p><a href="https://www.centerforgradingreform.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Center for Grading Reform</a> - seeking to advance education in the United States by supporting effective grading reform at all levels through conferences, educational workshops, professional development, research and scholarship, influencing public policy, and community building.</p><p><a href="https://www.thegradingconference.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Grading Conference</a> - an annual, online conference exploring Alternative Grading in Higher Education & K-12.</p><p>Some great resources to educate yourself about Alternative Grading:</p><ul><li><a href="https://gradingforgrowth.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Grading for Growth Blog</a></li><li><a href="https://www.thegradingconference.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Grading Conference</a></li><li><a href="https://intentionalacademia.substack.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Intentional Academia Blog</a></li></ul><br/><p>Recommended Books on Alternative Grading:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Grading-Growth-Alternative-Practices-Engagement/dp/1642673811/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2AY77FRS7LWBJ&amp;keywords=grading+for+growth&amp;qid=1690223954&amp;sprefix=grading+for+growth%252Caps%252C122&amp;sr=8-1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=thegradingpod-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=fe8d967e9ef22adcf74c58fbd3b9392b&camp=1789&creative=9325" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Grading for Growth</a>, by Robert Talbert and David Clark</li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Specifications-Grading-Restoring-Motivating-Students/dp/1620362422/ref=sr_1_1?crid=IIE9IBXJOZY9&amp;keywords=specifications+grading&amp;qid=1690228778&amp;sprefix=specifications+grading%252Caps%252C131&amp;sr=8-1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=thegradingpod-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=488cafcb421ce6921a7790e129a928b7&camp=1789&creative=9325" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Specifications Grading</a>, by Linda Nilsen</li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CFCZ5VCS?ref_=cm_sw_p_kb_dp&tag=thegradingpod-20&linkCode=kpe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Undoing the Grade</a>, by Jesse Stommel</li></ul><br/><p>Follow us on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram - @thegradingpod. To leave us a comment, please go to our website: www.thegradingpod.com and leave a comment on this episode's page.</p><p>If you would like to be considered to be a guest on this show, please reach out using the Contact Us form on our website, <a href="https://www.thegradingpod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.thegradingpod.com</a>.</p><p>All content of this podcast and website are solely the opinions of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the views of California State University Los Angeles or the Los Angeles Unified School District.</p><p><span class="ql-size-large">Music</span></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuEhnFL_D38" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Country Rock performed by Lite Saturation</a>, licensed under a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.</p>
151 total episodes available
Recent guests on The Grading Podcast
Guests from recent episodes — sign up to see every guest that has ever appeared on this show.
Dr Sean Michael Morris
Guest
Doug Wilson
Guest
Dr Asao Inoue
Guest
Ashleigh Fox
Guest
Jenni Momsen
Guest
Emily Pitts Donahoe
Guest
Melanie Lenahan
Guest
Phil Stringer
Guest
Similar Podcasts
Discover related shows you might enjoy
Up First
NPR
Science Friday
Science Friday and WNYC Studios
The Ezra Klein Show
New York Times Opinion
Radiolab
WNYC Studios
The Daily
The New York Times
The Tom Schimmer Podcast
Tom Schimmer
This American Life
This American Life
Twenty Thousand Hertz
Dallas Taylor
Freakonomics Radio
Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
Pushkin Industries
Teaching in Higher Ed
Bonni Stachowiak
Hidden Brain
Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam
The Debaters
CBC
No Stupid Questions
Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
The Jon Stewart Podcast
Comedy Central
Deep-dive analytics for The Grading Podcast
Frequently asked questions
Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
- What is The Grading Podcast?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 9 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Information about guest appearances is not available.
Legal Disclaimer
Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.
All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.
We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at hey@podengine.ai for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.
By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.