Do Students Really Need Letter Grades?
The University of Toronto has suggested that they get rid of the letter grades (A, B+, B, C+, C, D, F), and bring in a new grading system. The reason that they suggested this because they want the students to stop stressing about exams, and stop stressing about their marks. They want their students to focus primarily on their "intellectual engagement." I completely understand this idea. Some students do get pressure from others, or even themselves to get, "above 90%," or, "an A." This pressure may get to them, and cause much stress. This may cause test anxiety, or over-studying. These things could in fact get you even worse grades. If you lessen the stress on students, I believe that the students' grades could definitely rise.
If these grades change, there will be some definite positives. Much of the stress will disappear. Since I believe that even more of the stress comes from waiting for the marks, more than studying for, or writing the exam itself. With that stress gone, you could think more clearly, and therefore do better on your work; rather than have your thoughts clouded by the pressure, and not doing very well, thus adding to the stress. Having too much stress can also cause; irritability, thus the relationships with his/her teachers and friends being affected. Loss of concentration, causing the student to not pay attention in class, thus missing important information. Forgetfulness, causing the student to forget key parts of his/her studies. Anxiety, causing the student to think more about what marks they'll get, rather than trying to get the good marks. Disorganization, causing the student to lose notes, and also making them lose track of their schedule. And even more deplorable feelings.
But there are a few negatives about this change of grading. It could make students care less about doing well in school. If it's a pass or fail, I'm assuming that a lot of people would think, "oh, of course I'm not going to fail, and it's not like anyone will know how I passed. A pass is a pass right?" And of course, a pass is a pass, but passing with a 51% and passing with 99% are completely different things. I really don't think that anyone would be happy with a 51%, and I do believe that most people would be ecstatic about a 99%. But no one would know what exactly what you got. Would your parents reward you for a pass? Someone might not even deserve the praise. Also, it that might even encourage lying. If someone passes, they could easily (if they were malicious people) tell their parents that they passed with a ... 95%, and get showered in praise, when they actually got a 60%.
In conclusion, this change of the grading system definitely seems to have more positives than negatives, and I do believe that the change of grading could help people. But only if they were pass/fail kinds of grading. Unlike the U of T, who are using the grades; High Honours, Honours, Pass, Low Pass, and Fail. Are you kidding me? How is that at all different from letter grades? What's the difference between "I must get an A," and "I must get High Honours." That just seems silly to me. So personally, I really think that stress can diminish students' abilities. And I believe that the pass/fail system could be of great help towards students.
"I promise you nothing is as chaotic as it seems. Nothing is worth your health. Nothing is worth poisoning yourself into stress, anxiety, and fear."
-Steve Maraboli
-Steve Maraboli
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I really enjoyed this post Jin! Your tone is more formal throughout and you not only offer well-organised and thoughtful post but your hyperlinks are relevant (especially the stress one) and your visuals help to enhance your post. I only have a few minor reminders - try to avoid saying "in conclusion" and if you can avoid the 'I" voice - although it seems to work alright in this post without making it sound too converstaional and that is rare. One flaw in your lack of motivation argument - if your remove the anxiety over the marks, does it allow students, particularly these adult students, to focus more on their learning rather than a number? You also mention parents and rewarding you for grades - I am not sure that is common practice with college aged adults as referenced in the article. This one statement makes the reader wonder if you understood the setting the grade changes were being proposed and may make them doubt other points in your post. Conclusion was done well though and did address specifics in the article. Continue with this effort!
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