To grade or … ungrade? The case for and against letter grades At a glance Letter grades began to appear in education in the 1940s, and by 1971, 67% of primary and secondary schools were using them. Ungrading approaches the student evaluation process differently, often through self-assessments and with a focus on progress, to create a more holistic approach to measuring knowledge. Traditional grading offers…

Sometimes you concentrate on international studies and end up running a winery. Or you get a business degree but wind up making quirky musical instruments. Two University of Phoenix alumni have embraced the weird and the wonderful — taking their careers and interests to places they never imagined they’d go…

At a glance Education degrees encompass a range of levels, from bachelor’s degrees in education to doctoral degrees. Specialized teacher scholarships and grants exist to assist aspiring teachers in their educational journey and support their financial needs. These include federal grants and scholarships from professional organizations. Every new, qualifying student at University of…

If understanding financial aid is like learning a different language, consider the following guide your personal primer. We’ve compiled 32 of the most salient terms pertaining to financial aid, from the seemingly obvious (what is a grant anyway?) …

Like many other working adults who have had multiple jobs over the course of their careers, University of Phoenix alumna Tammie Otukwu boasts an impressive work ethic. But when it comes to backstories, Otukwu’s is all her own. Otukwu was born at Fort Meade in Maryland. A self-described Army brat…

At a glance Burnout refers to feelings of stress, exhaustion or being unmotivated, often with regard to work. Burnout can lead to mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Warning signs of burnout include a lack of motivation, inability to concentrate, absenteeism and decreased productivity. University of Phoenix students have access to the…

At a glance Praxis® tests are designed to measure a person’s teaching knowledge and skills. There are three types of Praxis tests: Core Tests, Subject Assessments and Content Knowledge for Teaching. Students preparing to take a Praxis exam should be aware it’s an out-of-pocket expense and should plan accordingly. University of Phoenix’s teacher…

At a glance A college credit or credit hour is a unit to measure academic hours completed over a particular time period, with many institutions using a semester calendar. Credit hours differ by degree level: An associate degree requires roughly 60 credits on a semester basis (or 90 credits on a quarter basis)…

At a glance Two tax credits are available for education expenses through the IRS: the American opportunity tax credit (AOTC) and the lifetime learning credit (LLC). Tax credits reduce tax obligations in relation to expenses paid toward higher education. The AOTC only applies to the first four years of higher education, while the…