Do Students Overestimate Their Contribution to Class? Congruence of Student and Professor Ratings of Class Participation

Abstract

As student participation is an essential component of many classes, this research attempted to foster congruence between student and professor ratings of class participation. Study 1 (N = 196) explored the utility of a detailed grading rubric in assessing class participation. As predicted, providing students and faculty with the same rubric resulted in a moderate correlation between their ratings. Consistent with previous research, results indicated a mean difference between student and professor ratings, particularly for low participators. Utilizing this rubric, Study 2 (N = 87) examined congruency at mid- and end-term. Contrary to what was predicted, feedback provided at mid-term did not increase congruence at end-term. A potential implication of this finding is underdeveloped metacognitive skills in low participators. Perhaps, more frequent and substantive feedback is essential for these students.