How come many college grades are curved?

Question

and do you feel like you've learned anything when the average grade is 50%?

Answer 1

In my experience, most large college classes are curved. The reason is that in such a large class (100-500 students) the test scores typically make a nice bell curve, with a somewhat small number of students in the A and F range, and most in the B-C range. SATs and other standardized tests are also graded on a curve.

A lot of college courses have very tough tests. For instance, in my third quarter of Organic Chemistry, the average test score was around 20 out of 100. This was an O Chem series for pre-med and biochemistry students, so you can't say that it's because the class didn't try hard enough (even though the Prof. did...) after already getting through the first two quarters.

Usually test averages were around 50-70%. I think that scoring tests, especially ones without multiple choice like chemistry, can be rather arbitrary as to how points are awarded and how points are lost. As long as the tests are graded consistently, it is entirely appropriate to grade on a curve.

Answer 2

I've never believed in curve grading and I am lucky that I have made it through college without every having a class like that. With curve grading the students are not being tested on how well they know the material but whether or not they knew it more than a certain percentage of the other students. I am actually shocked to hear that it is still being used. I would have thought that an antiquated system.

Answer 3

I really have under no circumstances heard of an finished college curving grades; regularly it really is left as a lot because the alternative of the guy instructor. My regulation college did so, besides the indisputable fact that. I regulate grades, yet not inevitably in accordance to a common curve, if it type of feels perfect, and so do dissimilar the different professors i comprehend. We keep in mind that as a lot as we intend to be honest with our exams, in some circumstances we can provide one it really is extra frustrating than we realized, and it would not make experience to penalize the scholars for what develop into our personal fault. My frame of mind is to seem on the unique grades, imagine about how heavily scholars were taking classification, and regulate for this reason. If human beings have not been showing as a lot as classification or have not been attempting very demanding, then i will assume that the low grades were earned, yet when scholars seem to were diligent and are nonetheless all doing poorly, exceptionally if there are not any exceptions, then i will assume that the exam itself develop into the problem and raise the grades.

Answer 4

yes, weeding out and creating competition. If only 4 'A's will be given, people will work their a$$es off to get those grades; in theory. It should produce better work and better students at the top, but i think it just creates a hostile atmosphere. Don't go to a school or take classess from profs who grade on a curve if you don't agree with it! lots of choices out there.

Answer 5

It is the weeding process. Employers put emphasis on your GPA in selecting the top graduates. Colleges replied by implementing the curves.

Answer 6

i would feel pretty disappointed if the average grade is at 50% when in high school we all have to pass with a 65 or higher...

I wouldn't be happy in a college like that. Maybe you should try speaking with your teacher, or your counselor, or the director of admissions.

Answer 7

If graves are curved, it means college degrees are becoming meaningless.

Answer 8

I feel like I learned something...