would it be awesome if in universities we wont be graded, but evaluated for our real capabilities?

Question

i have observed that we are so obsessed with grades, and competing against one another, i think there are better ways to learn, different techniques, have you also thought about this?

Answer 1

I also have thought about this. Since everyone is worried about grades can't we be graded on what we know and what we can know? Like if someone has the ability to memorize things very well, and they also read fast would they be put in front of me on the acceptance list? I believe that grades keep the Universities stable, but grades arent all they're cracked up to be. A person with a 4.5 GPA can be really smart, but they cant read. Would they put that on their application? No. The college would accept them and give them their scholarship otherwise. What a waste, this is whats happening to our society all we are worried about is grades but really we should be worried about the people behind the grades.

Answer 2

The best classes actually do focus solely on learning. There are good teachers out there who help their students feel like the students have accomplished something during the course. The grade is just bureaucratic grease that helps the student move through the system.

The problem is both the system and the students. From kindergarten we train kids to be worried about grades. So when we suggest any alternative they panic and want to go back to the system.

I don't like the idea of grading on effort. If you do, consider this: when you go in for open heart surgery, do you want the doctor who tried really hard but could only muster a C- average, or do you want the doctor who was talented enough to breeze through with little effort just to maintain a B average?

I sincerely believe everyone has talent somewhere. Those who work their backsides off just to earn a 70% undoubtedly have a place where they can breeze through elsewhere.

Answer 3

Your question is a valid one and often used as argument in behalf of students that are confronted with Board of Reviews in academia. I am in a position as a university professor to see this particular situation almost on a daily bases. However, I would like to point out to you that the rules and guidelines of grading systems in academia are created to accomplish a standard for ALL students involved. Howbeit, they are not always correct for all point of views an orderly system must be presented to encompass all variations and conditions within these institutions.

As Amanda points out here that we should be more concerned with the actual person behind the grades is a valid concern. I couldn’t begin to tell you how many students I have HAD to give As to when in actuality they deserved a D or even an F in some cases. To be honest, I have had to do so because of required grade curves that operate on class percentages rather than student’s abilities and retained knowledge. I just hate the thought when administration tells me I must drop a student out of the A group and put them into a B group because there are only X amount of As allowed. Usually it’s the student’s that have worked the hardest and show the most ability that suffer from this system.

I should also point out that many teachers will also bend and have a flexible evaluation of each student on an individual bases as well. In all, it doesn’t take long after years of experience to know who you’re A students and B students are in the classroom. Who displays the abilities to learn and who just doesn’t care. In addition, some teachers have a political or personal agenda and students can and will be discriminated against due to bias.

Yes, there are other ways to overcome the current conditions, but you are dealing with the educational establishment (aka) academia, and inducing change involves a major movement by the people as a group. As lone individuals this is a difficult if not impossible challenge to overcome. However, be assured that there are teachers out here that seriously do look at you and do recognize your accomplishments and will give honest credit where credit is due to each individual. So try not to be too angry, just do your best!

Answer 4

that is perhaps the ideal way in which students ought to be graded...i think a letter says a lot less than real effort. for some, it comes naturally for getting a good grade, and for others, it is harder.

ex. my sister and i took a writing class together. she isn't as a good a writer/bullsh iter as i am. she tried really hard and learned a lot. she got a c. i didn't try at all, bull my way through and ended with an a. that is not fair. i think she deserved the better grade...

Answer 5

There is only one true grader, experience. Everything else is just substitution. That is: Talk the talk and walk the walk.

Answer 6

I agree university classes should be pumps not filters.

Answer 7

that's what i'm looking for.
i need a degree.

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