Researchers from the University of Michigan have analyzed over 30 million grading records from U-M and found that students with last names earlier in the alphabet tend to receive higher grades compared to those with later alphabetically-ranked surnames. This discrepancy is attributed to sequential grading biases in the widely used online learning management system, Canvas, which defaults to alphabetical order for submissions. Additionally, students with later-in-the-alphabet surnames receive more negative and less polite comments, leading to lower grading quality. While the 0.6-point gap in grades may seem small, it impacts students’ course grade-point averages and subsequently their career opportunities. The researchers suggest solutions, such as randomizing grading orders or hiring more graders, to alleviate this bias. This study highlights the unconscious impact of grading practices on students’ academic outcomes and underscores the need for systemic changes in educational technology.
https://phys.org/news/2024-04-grades-students-surnames-alphabetical.html
