In order to treat all students equally, instructors must evaluate student performance against:

Evaluating student performance against an established objective standard is essential for ensuring fairness and consistency in the assessment process. Objective standards are predefined criteria or benchmarks that are used to measure the skills, knowledge, and competencies that students are expected to achieve. This approach minimizes subjective interpretations and personal biases, allowing for a more uniform evaluation across different students.

Using an objective standard means the instructor can assess all students against the same criteria, ensuring that each student's performance is judged based solely on their mastery of the material and skills being taught. This not only promotes equality but also enhances the credibility and reliability of the evaluation process. When students know they are being assessed against clear and quantifiable standards, it can improve their motivation and engagement.

In contrast, personal biases can lead to favoritism or unfair treatment of certain students, while peer comparisons can create unhealthy competition and may not accurately reflect individual capabilities. Class participation, though valuable, does not solely measure a student's understanding or application of the subject matter. Hence, the reliance on an established objective standard is the best practice for equitable assessment in educational settings.