This refers to a grading system where teachers are not allowed to grade their students below 50%. This means that as long as the pupil completes the task, they deserve at least 50% for that effort alone. Some parents and educators believe that teachers shouldn’t be allowed to give zero to a pupil. Even if the students fail to turn in their assignments, they receive whatever the lowest grade is. Many institutions have adopted similar strategies, and they believe that this motivates all the students and provides them a fighting chance to do better in academics. Others feel that the no-zero grading policy allows pupils to slack off. They invest the least amount of effort and still pass. It can also be discouraging to students who work really hard for their scores.
Giving a zero for students not turning in the assignment doesn’t evaluate their understanding of the concept they were supposed to learn. Assignments exist to help students get a clear idea of their growth, and giving out zeroes negates this purpose. It can also drastically impact a student’s grade. Students who scored very well on earlier assignments might get a poor final grade when they fail to complete one task. Students come from different backgrounds. There’s no predicting the situation that may have prevented them from completing the task. Rather than giving zeroes for missing a deadline, the no-zero grading policy may offer them guidance and support to help them complete the task. Students who frequently miss assignment deadlines or don’t perform well can be challenging for teachers to handle. However, it’s these students who need support from the teacher the most. A little motivation and empathy from the teacher could go a long way in improving a student’s relationship with academics.
If students have nothing to show for their assignment, they should be given nothing, thus giving zeroes. However, if they put in some effort on a task, their score reflects that. If they didn’t complete the task, their score should also reflect that. Teachers follow up with pupils who miss deadlines, and making adjustments for some students puts lots of additional stress on them. Also, enforcing stringent deadlines force the pupils to complete the assignments on time. They get habituated to being held accountable for their manner of work and their results. Some educators also believe that getting zeroes on their report cards communicates to the pupils and their parents that they need to put in more effort.
