What term describes the practice of grading that neglects direct observation of student work?

The term that best describes the practice of grading that neglects direct observation of student work is "Grading in Absentia." This phrase conveys the idea that a student’s performance is evaluated without the instructor being present to directly assess their work or skills. It implies a lack of firsthand knowledge about the student's abilities, which could lead to unfair or inaccurate grading because it does not take into account the nuances of a student's performance.

The practice suggests a reliance on external indicators, previous grades, or assumptions rather than a thorough, direct evaluation of the student’s actual work. Such a method can contribute to a disconnect between teaching and assessment, which may affect the quality of feedback provided to students.

In contrast, “Grading Improvement Only” indicates a focus on measuring only improvement without consideration of absolute performance levels, while “Grading by Assumption” implies that grades are given based on preconceived notions rather than actual performance. "Grading with Spite" suggests a bias or personal animosity affecting the grading process. None of these terms captures the essence of grading without observing actual student work as effectively as "Grading in Absentia."