The Great Clerkship Evaluation Debates: Tiered Grading vs. Pass-Fail and Comprehensive Tools for Assessment

Various disparate approaches to clerkship grading have developed during recent years. In our workshop, we will discuss the evidence-based pros and cons of pass-fail versus tiered grading and available assessment tools. Participants will be divided into subgroups to compare their institution's clerkship evaluation methods and debate assessment strategies. We will reassemble to help determine which clerkship grading tools are evidence-based, useful, and practical in making such high-stakes assessments. Areas to be explored include the use of EPAs for formative or summative learning; incorporation of OSCEs, case presentations and write ups as evaluative tools; and use of the NBME Shelf Exam as a tool in grade assignment. We will discuss which of these assessments help ensure competency in clerkship students. We will examine existing literature that helps guide us and explore any missing elements we should consider including.