What is it called when an educator’s personal dislikes affect grading outcomes?

The term used to describe when an educator’s personal dislikes influence grading outcomes is known as grading by spite. This scenario occurs when an instructor allows their negative feelings toward a student to interfere with objective evaluation, potentially leading to unfair assessments of the student's performance.

Grading by spite undermines the principles of fairness and objectivity that are fundamental to effective teaching and assessment. An educator should strive to maintain professionalism and base grades strictly on the academic performance and skills demonstrated by students, rather than personal feelings. It’s essential for educators to be aware of their biases to ensure that all students are evaluated equitably.

Other terms may suggest the influence of personal feelings on grading, but grading by spite specifically addresses the detrimental effect of personal animosities on a student's outcomes.