As a student, I have been shocked to receive a grade based on the grades of my peers, not on my personal work. You feel completely blindsided, like the rug has been pulled out from under you. I've always been studious and conscientious of my work, so when the grade I receive reflects the number of students who scored higher than me, rather than the strength of my work, I feel robbed. Instead of being built up through acknowledgment of the quality of work I produced, I was broken down, left with little faith in the grading system of that class.
As a teacher, I can't imagine comparing student to each other, basing their grades on how many spots I have in each grade slot. The only comparison of students should be to the student them self, assessing their growth as an individual throughout the school year. In terms of grading, a student should know their grade is assessing their evidence (assignment, exam, etc.) of the knowledge and skills they have learned.
It also pains me to know that norm-referenced grades have the potential to adversely effect a student's future education career. For some students, the only way they can afford post-secondary is through scholarships and grants based on their grades. If their grade is based on those of others, and not reflective of that students individual work, they can be robbed of the chance to attend post-secondary. How can we consciously utilize a grading system where there is potential to take away a student's opportunity to further their education? Aren't we in a profession that encourages education and fulfilling one's personal potential?
No comments:
Post a Comment