Was the old way of grading "broken"?
YES! Here's how...
Freddie Freshman got an "A-" in history...
Just because Freddie Freshman earned a 91% in his class doesn't necessarily mean he learned anything. Under the old way of grading, there are many factors that could have contributed to his "A-" grade. Freddie did all of his homework, he completed his projects on time, and he did all of the extra credit. However, he scored poorly on tests.
So, how much did Freddie really master? Perhaps Freddie did well on the homework because he copied answers off another student. Perhaps his parents overly assisted on research projects. When it came time for Freddie to be assessed, he was unable to perform at a proficient level.
Yet, he left the course with an "A-". What does he really know?
So, how much did Freddie really master? Perhaps Freddie did well on the homework because he copied answers off another student. Perhaps his parents overly assisted on research projects. When it came time for Freddie to be assessed, he was unable to perform at a proficient level.
Yet, he left the course with an "A-". What does he really know?
Susie Sophomore got a "D-" in history...
Susie Sophomore did none of the homework, none of the projects, and none of the extra credit.
However, she scored amazingly high on the tests.
Her overall grade of "D-" doesn't truly reflect what she knows.
Is it fair to dock Susie's grade because she didn't do homework, projects, or extra credit?
Is she being docked for her laziness?
However, she scored amazingly high on the tests.
Her overall grade of "D-" doesn't truly reflect what she knows.
Is it fair to dock Susie's grade because she didn't do homework, projects, or extra credit?
Is she being docked for her laziness?
Jeff Junior got a "C" in history...
Jeff Junior did the absolute bare minimum to get by in his class.
He exerted minimal effort. He participated only if called upon.
He was hit-or-miss when it came to homework completion.
In the end, his "C" grade appears to match his enthusiasm and motivation... but does it really reflect what he knows?
He exerted minimal effort. He participated only if called upon.
He was hit-or-miss when it came to homework completion.
In the end, his "C" grade appears to match his enthusiasm and motivation... but does it really reflect what he knows?
Sally Senior got an "F" in history...
Sally Senior participated in the class and demonstrated an understanding of the material through the questions she asked and the comments she shared; still, she failed every major test.
Does this mean Sally learned nothing?
What if she can't perform well in settings as rigorous and pressure-laden as the traditional multiple-choice test?
Does she deserve the "F"?
Does this mean Sally learned nothing?
What if she can't perform well in settings as rigorous and pressure-laden as the traditional multiple-choice test?
Does she deserve the "F"?