Assessment Scoring Discrepancies: A Persistent Issue in the Realm of Academic Learning
In the world of education, a shift towards a new grading system has been taking place, with contract grading gaining traction in higher education institutions. This system, which sets specific learning objectives and tasks as the basis for assessment, offers both benefits and drawbacks.
### The Advantages of Contract Grading
1. **Focus on Learning Objectives**: By setting clear, defined goals, contract grading encourages students to understand what they need to learn and by when. This focused approach can lead to a more structured and effective learning environment.
2. **Reduced Stress and Anxiety**: With a clear understanding of what is required to achieve a certain grade, students can manage their workload more efficiently, reducing stress levels associated with unexpected grading criteria.
3. **Increased Student Engagement**: The active role students take in their learning process under contract grading can lead to increased engagement and a deeper investment in their studies.
4. **Flexibility and Personalization**: Contract grading can be tailored to individual students' needs, offering a more flexible and personalized approach to learning.
### The Disadvantages of Contract Grading
1. **Complexity in Implementation**: The setup and management of contract grading can be time-consuming, especially for large classes.
2. **Potential Lack of Standardization**: Without a standardized grading scale, it can be challenging to compare student performance across different courses or institutions.
3. **Difficulty in Assessing Soft Skills**: While contract grading is effective for measuring specific learning objectives, it may not adequately capture softer skills like teamwork, communication, or critical thinking.
### Comparison to Traditional Grading Systems
Traditional grading systems, which often rely on a combination of exams, assignments, and participation, offer a clear, standardized framework for comparing student performance. However, they can create a high-stakes environment that discourages experimentation and learning from mistakes.
### An Example of Contract Grading
In contract grading, a student might agree to complete a series of tasks or assignments to achieve a certain grade. For instance, to earn a "B," a student might need to complete all assigned readings, participate in class discussions, and submit a quality research paper. This approach allows students to know exactly what they need to do to succeed, which can be motivating and help them stay on track.
### The Return of Traditional Grading Systems
Recent developments have seen Dartmouth College and Yale University reinstating the requirement for SAT scores in undergraduate applications. This move follows a similar decision by both institutions to make SAT scores optional in the past. The traditional grading system, with its focus on providing feedback on various aspects of course material, continues to play a role in the educational landscape.
As higher education continues to evolve, considering both traditional and alternative grading systems can help educators tailor their teaching methods to best support student learning and success. It is essential to strike a balance between fostering a challenging learning environment and providing students with the tools they need to grow and succeed.
- University students may find the shift towards contract grading beneficial, as it promotes education-and-self-development by encouraging focus on specific learning objectives.
- The implementation of contract grading on campus can facilitate personal-growth and learning, as the system reduces stress and anxiety through a clear understanding of grading criteria.
- Student engagement in education-and-self-development can be heightened with contract grading, due to increased participation and investment in their own learning process.
- On a larger scale, a university's adoption of contract grading can lead to a more flexible and personalized education-and-self-development approach, tailored to individual student needs.
- Despite the advantages, traditional grading systems, with their focus on learning, events like exams, assignments, and participation, still play an important role in university education, offering a standardized framework for comparison and feedback.
