Calculating Benefits
Ohio Wesleyan Student, Future Math Teacher Explores the Potential of Self-Grading
Name: Grace Martin '25
Hometown: Westerville, Ohio
High School: Westerville North High School
Majors: Mathematics and Adolescent to Young Adult Education
OWU Connection Experience: Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Martin spent 10 weeks completing a research project titled "Exploring Self-Grading In Mathematics: A Pedagogical Approach to Foster Metacognition in a College-Level Math Course." She is being mentored by Matthew McCurdy, Ph.D., assistant professor of Mathematics and Computer Science.
By providing students with a detailed rubric for assignments, having them self-assess their work, and compare their evaluations with the instructor's feedback, the project aims to foster reflective practices and a deeper understanding of the material.
My Research
"This research project explores the implementation of self-grading in a college-level Calculus I class to enhance student learning outcomes and metacognitive development. (Metacognition is the awareness and understanding of one's thought processes.)
"By providing students with a detailed rubric for assignments, having them self-assess their work, and compare their evaluations with the instructor's feedback, the project aims to foster reflective practices and a deeper understanding of the material. Over time, the rubric becomes more student-created, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning and actively contribute to the evaluation criteria."
A Double Impact
"I wanted to be a part of SSRP because it gave me the opportunity to work with my professor on research that pertained to both of my majors. It also allowed me to stay on campus this summer and work with my peers in similar fields."
My Favorite Moment
"A part of my research was getting to travel to Amherst, Massachusetts, and be a teaching assistant for my professor in a Calculus I class. We worked with low-income, high-achieving students who were preparing for their college applications come fall. Getting to implement the research I had been doing throughout the summer with actual students was very rewarding."
Lessons Learned
"I am planning on being a high school math teacher so my research has allowed me lots of time to think about how I can implement self-grading in my own classroom in the future."
My Campus Involvements
"I am a member of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble. I am also a member of the Student Honors Board."
Why I Chose Ohio Wesleyan
"I loved the campus and Delaware. I also knew that because it was such a small school, I would be more than just a name to my professors."
My Plans After Graduation
"I knew that I wanted to be a Math and Education double major when I applied to OWU!"