I do think the students' intentions are somewhat misrepresented in this article, though.
Maybe.
I think that we've created a culture that doesn't properly set up kids for what they'll need to do later in life. I notice a lot of other parents who try to instill in their kids the idea that if you work hard, you deserve the big rewards, which isn't necessarily the case.
I have to agree with what was quoted in part of the article; that kids aren't going to be motivated to put in above average effort, if above average acknowledgment won't be gained for it. I know I certainly wouldn't. It's like the stick without the carrot. If everyone is required to put in more work for the same standard recognition, you've only raised the common denominator, not encouraged people to work towards standing out.
I do think that the understanding of the grading system needs to be re-aligned, in this country. C's are representative of an average grade; if you just do what's required and put in an average effort, that's what you'll get. Any extra effort should be rewarded with an ascending grade, and any lack of effort should result in a lowered grade, by degrees.
I don't think effort alone should be rewarded, though. I've always had trouble with Physics. The last time I took a class, I went to extra labs, spent time with the professor, and sought the help of tutors. I still couldn't get all the formulas right, and my test scores and grade reflected that. Just because I put in extra time doesn't mean that I deserved a higher grade.
(That blow job to the teacher should have, though. Just kidding!)
Grading all in degrees, and it's all very subjective. I agree with you that just demonstrating effort should not equate an A. That's irresponsible grading. But if you're putting in extra work, meeting with your teacher regularly, going to every length you can and clearly demonstrating that you care and that you're trying, but you're just not the type of person who gets Physics, I think it's also irresponsible grading to write off your effort with an F.
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no subject
Date: 2009-02-19 02:48 pm (UTC)Maybe.
I think that we've created a culture that doesn't properly set up kids for what they'll need to do later in life. I notice a lot of other parents who try to instill in their kids the idea that if you work hard, you deserve the big rewards, which isn't necessarily the case.
no subject
Date: 2009-02-19 05:37 pm (UTC)I do think that the understanding of the grading system needs to be re-aligned, in this country. C's are representative of an average grade; if you just do what's required and put in an average effort, that's what you'll get. Any extra effort should be rewarded with an ascending grade, and any lack of effort should result in a lowered grade, by degrees.
no subject
Date: 2009-02-19 05:43 pm (UTC)(That blow job to the teacher should have, though. Just kidding!)
no subject
Date: 2009-02-19 05:45 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-02-19 05:50 pm (UTC)