Grading is an integral part of the education system, but it’s important to reflect on the current practices and see if they are still effective in promoting student learning and growth. Three grading practices should be changed to better serve students and teachers.
- The Overreliance on Standardized Tests: Standardized tests have become a major factor in determining a student’s overall grade, even though they don’t necessarily reflect a student’s mastery of the material or ability to think critically. Instead of relying on standardized tests, teachers should focus on more meaningful assessments that allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in real-world applications.
- The Use of Letter Grades: Letter grades are a convenient way to measure student performance, but they can be misleading. For example, a B+ could mean various things depending on the teacher, the subject, and the class. To provide more meaningful feedback, teachers should use numerical grades and include detailed comments about what students did well and where they need to improve.
- Punishing Students for Late Work: The current practice of deducting points for late work can be detrimental to students who need extra time to complete assignments or struggle with a particular subject. Instead of penalizing students, teachers should offer additional support and resources to help students succeed. For example, they can provide extra time in class or offer tutoring sessions outside of class.
In conclusion, these three grading practices should change to better promote student learning and growth. By focusing on meaningful assessments, using numerical grades and detailed feedback, and providing extra support instead of punishment, teachers can help students succeed in their academic and professional careers. In addition, by making these changes, teachers can help students to see the value in education and to develop a love for learning that will last a lifetime.
