06_Assessment of Learning Achievements
Rigorous and Appropriate Assessment of Academic ResultsDecember 6, 2021
Educational Affairs Committee,
Kumamoto University
1．Purpose
Kumamoto University ensures quality of education and credibility with society through rigorous, objective, and fair grading based on academic objectives and assessment methods and standards as specified in advance by the syllabus of each class.
2．Classification of Academic Assessment
(1) Academic assessment is measured using to the five-level grading scale shown in the table below and is based on the academic goals of each class. More flexible assessment categories, such as pass or fail, may be used in cases where a five-level scale is difficult due to class format (e.g., lab exercises, practical training, etc.) or subject characteristics (e.g., internship).
| Result | Grade | Score | Details |
| Pass | Super Excellent (AA) |
90~100 | An outstanding level of subject mastery that goes beyond the course content and recognizes that the student was more proactive in their learning. |
| Excellent (A) |
80~89 | The student has shown a great mastery of the skills and knowledge of the materials for the course. | |
| Very Good (B) |
70~79 | The student’s skills and knowledge of the material is above grade C, but requires further effort to reach grade A. | |
| Good (C) |
60~69 | The student has the minimum knowledge and skills required to complete the course. | |
| Fail | Failure (D) |
0~59 | The student has not acquired the minimum knowledge and skills (equivalent to grade C) required to complete the course. |
(2) Regarding the grades of Super Excellent (AA), Excellent (A), Very Good (B) and Good (C), special attention shall be paid to prevent significant unevenness in grade distribution. In particular, the combined percentage of Super Excellent (AA) and Excellent (A) grades should not exceed 30%. Efforts should be made to evaluate grades rigorously, objectively, and fairly.
(3) Assessment standards and methods for common courses and courses of the same category (languages, basic science, etc.) shall be established after a thorough consultation with instructors in charge of the subject.
(4) In the event that any faculty (including the Headquarters for Admissions and Education) establishes a new or separate grading system, students shall be clearly notified in advance and grades will be applied according to the new system.
3. Publication of Grading Methods
(1) Grading criteria and methods shall be published in the syllabus at the beginning of each academic year.
(2) Efforts shall be made to evaluate not only the final examination but also overall performance including quizzes, reports, discussions, class participation, etc., and the evaluation ratio for each evaluation element shall be clearly stated in the syllabus
(e.g., 80% for examinations, 20% for discussions).
4. Explanation of Grade Results
(1) Efforts shall be made to review examination results and post model answers (excellent answers) through review sessions or other means.
(2) Grading shall be based on predetermined grading criteria, and efforts shall be made to return answer sheets to students with the grading criteria.
(3) Faculties (or their departments) shall keep copies of answer sheets for five years.
5. University-wide GPA Sharing
Faculties shall practice rigorous and appropriate grading, and strive to utilize GPA as a measure of academic achievement for graduation.
6. Objection of Grade Assessment
If a student has any doubts about the grade of a course, he/she may file an appeal in accordance with the "Guidelines for Appeals Concerning Grade Assessment" (provided separately). To file an appeal, the student must submit a "Grade Evaluation Appeal Form" to the Student Affairs Division of the relevant faculty of the course within the designated appeal period as stipulated by the faculty.
Contact:
Educational Affairs Support Section, Education Support Team, Academic Affairs Division, Student Affairs Department