Grading alternatives changes students’ views of education
By: Taylor Orcutt
The meaning of education has changed dramatically since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The move to virtual learning has impacted educators and students alike. Now, there is growing interest from officials to change how students are learning.
Interest by officials is shown in mastery-based learning. The methods under this umbrella are meant to improve students’ understanding of classroom concepts.
Mastery-based learning could shift the priority from memorization to true learning.
One method of mastery-based learning is formative and summative assessments.
Formative assessments are meant to gauge learning concepts. These are usually in the form of practice assignments. Summative assessments are meant to gauge mastery of a concept. These are usually in the form of graded tests or exams.
Athens High School educators have used mastery-based learning. Assistant Principal John Rogers talked about his feelings on mastery-based learning.
“My personal preference is standards-based grading, so all grades are attached to mastery of content.”
A switch to a mastery-based curriculum may be beneficial for students’ education experience.
At the high school level, students often feel the pressure to race to the top of the GPA mountain. However, there are two views of this competition.
Some students view the competition as friendly. Senior Eric Carpenter said, “I think there is a little bit of competition, especially at the top, but it's friendly.”
Rogers disagreed. “Some students see grades as a number to be accomplished rather than learning to be accomplished.” He accredits this to “high pressure put on students.”
Both Rogers and Carpenter agreed that the letter-grading system has a negative impact on students.
Though it is difficult to make a national change, efforts are being made in Athens High School to improve the way students learn under the letter-grade system.
“We make little adjustments all the time,” said Rogers. “We discuss, ‘How do we flip the thought process of students from chasing points to chasing the knowledge that gets me the points?’” said Rogers.
When enrolling in classes, it is important that students ask themselves what they want out of their education. With awareness of their priorities, students can accurately determine the best courses for their academic schedule.
Students should consider choosing classes that challenge them and give them a well-rounded education.
“The fear of failure forces students to take less risks. They shy away because of the GPA implications,” said Rogers.
Carpenter agreed with Rogers, stating there should be a change to the letter-grade system.
“There has to be another way,” Carpenter said.
Photo Credit: Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)