by Kate Rowland, M.D., MS | March 2, 2022 Article Citation: Seligman L, Abdullahi A, Teherani A, Hauer KE. From grading to assessment for learning: a qualitative study of student perceptions surrounding elimination of core clerkship grades and enhanced formative feedback. Teach Learn Med 2021; 33(3):314-325. DOI: 10.1080/10401334.2020.1847654 What is this article about? This is a qualitative study assessing the impact on students of the transition from honors-eligible grading to pass-fail grading during clerkships at UCSF. The research team included two medical students. Students who had only experienced pass-fail grading as well as students who had had clerkships under the honors-eligible grading plan were interviewed. Students reported high levels of engagement in their clerkships after the switch, describing high levels of motivation to learn and agency to learn. In general, students felt it was much easier to engage with material and to learn for the sake of learning, rather than to demonstrate “honors-worthy” attitudes. Students also reported higher levels of wellness, driven in part by the ability to make wellness-enhancing decisions (ie, going to the gym instead of studying for another hour). Wellbeing was also improved through reduced stress, increased authenticity, and improved school-life balance. Decreased levels of competitiveness and increased levels of collaboration were also described. Students did report concerns about the impact of the change on residency applications, but overall felt the move was a positive. Why should you read the article? Previous studies have suggested honors grading is inherently biased and disadvantages underrepresented students. Medical students also perceive honors grading to be unfair. Schools considering a transition away from honors grading to pass-fail grading may be concerned about the impact on students. This article describes positive student experiences with the transition to pass-fail clerkships. How can you use this article? If your course or institution is considering transitioning from honors-based grading on clerkships to pass-fail based grading on clerkships, this article supports the transition, finding that student agency, engagement, and wellness are all enhanced by pass-fail grading on clerkships. Review Author: Kate Rowland, MD, MS; Associate Professor and Vice Chair for Education, Rush University Chicago IL. Member organization: Society of Teachers of Family MedicineStudent Perceptions Surrounding Elimination of Core Clerkship Grades