This is a discussion of a technique I developed for approaching the daunting task of assigning grades to or objectively evaluating students' creative work. It is centered on the idea that the student is an artist, and as such is the only person who actually knows what he or she is trying to accomplish with a particular work of art. (All the rest of us know is what we receive from the work.)
I originally developed this technique as part of my thesis in education during work at Auburn University at Montgomery, and what follows is an edited version of the formal thesis paper I submitted.
I use this technique in virtually all of my teaching to this day. I hope others will find it as helpful as I have.