Grading

Educators frequently raise the question of whether or not to grade the virtual gaming simulation. The answer will depend on each individual educator’s pedagogical approach or goal for using these simulations. Review Table 2.2 to explore options for grading when using virtual gaming simulations.

Click here to download an accessible PDF copy of Table 2.2

Table 2.2. Virtual Gaming Simulation Goals and Grading Strategies

Educator Goal Strategy

To offer an experiential learning activity where the learner can make mistakes in a safe environment.

  • Do not assign a grade based on correct answers; that approach will stifle exploration.
  • Assign a participation mark for completing the experience to acknowledge learner time and effort and encourage learners to complete the virtual gaming simulations.

To assign a summative mark.

  • The individual summary report can be submitted and a grade assigned, however, there is no way to validate that mark.
  • Instead, ask learners to complete a reflection after their experience and consider marking the reflection.

To test the learner's knowledge.

  • The individual summary report can be submitted and a grade assigned. This means learners will take more time choosing an option as they play the virtual gaming simulations and they will not explore the different options provided for fear of getting a lower mark.

Expert’s Corner: Grading

Whether you decide to assign a grade or not, it is critical for learners to be clear on that decision before they play the simulation as it may affect how they proceed.

Examples in Action: Participation Mark

We assign our learners a virtual gaming simulation as an individual experience and provide a participation mark of 1-2.5% of their final grade. In order to receive the mark, they need to hand in the summary report and self-debrief by a pre-assigned time. The learner either gets the participation mark or not, there are no partial marks. In our experience, 99% of the learners complete this assigned work on time.

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Using Virtual Gaming Simulation: An Educator's Guide Copyright © 2022 by Centennial College is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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