Grading, an established factor in education systems, has developed a concern: grade inflation. It is known to have emerged about half a century ago; before the conceptualization of communication apprehension. Traced from the 1960s grades began to rise and a decade later acquired the name grade inflation.
The phenomenon is label for inaccurate grades, i.e. an A awarded for what is previously a B-level work. It is high grade for low achievement; a loose grading standard.
In my research I said, “grade inflation may produce…” Well, in this blog I say grade inflation produces irresponsible students. I see it every single day. Students are losing their grip on accountability. Why, after all, would they strive when they are assured of good grades despite absenteeism or truancy among many other alibis?
Inflated grades are misleading to parents. They are satisfied with their children’s achievement because they rely primarily on grades to determine how much their children are learning and according to the grades, their children are doing well.
The grade inflation phenomenon is in the works in my pond. The Ministry of University Affairs in Thailand has appointed a committee to investigate incorrect high school student grades submitted for college admission. Adoption of student ranking system was postponed as it was discovered that the grades submitted by schools did not reflect the true performance of their students. Education officials suspected that teachers (and possibly in accordance with administrators) might have inflated their students’ grades to help them win places at the country’s top universities, and in the process, enhance the reputation of their high schools.
Do you have or have you noticed grade inflation in your country? How is it?
“I deserve” and ” I have my rights” what dangerous attitudes that are prevalent in today’s society.
I think you are right about inflated grades just so schools can get more money and job security for the teachers.
Good post.
Where I taught I did not notice it, but some parents complained that their children should “have gotten a better grade!” (How’s that for grammar?) I always showed them their work and if other (better) work was displayed on the classroom bulletin boards, I would refer them to what an “A” grade should look like. Frankly, I’m glad I’m not in the system anymore.
Presenting comparisons of schoolwork to those who complain about grades is such a good idea. That should make them see what is supposed to be or not. Thank you Leslie. Lucky you you’re not in the system anymore.
This seems to be happening a lot in the UK, too. Every time the main results are published, there are media debates on whether we’re ‘dumbing down’.
Excellent post.
Meryl said:
Grade inflation depends upon the school – in my experience. Some do it willingly and others intentionally do not.
Hazel said:
And some teachers are forced by school administration to inflate grades.
photowannabe said:
“I deserve” and ” I have my rights” what dangerous attitudes that are prevalent in today’s society.
I think you are right about inflated grades just so schools can get more money and job security for the teachers.
Good post.
Roger Green said:
This was an A+ piece! OK, maybe A-.
Seriously, it is a real concern.
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
Hazel said:
Excellent reaction, Roger 🙂
chubskulit said:
Oh my goodness, that is not right! Haven’t notice n that here yet.
Gold and Green
Rose, ABC Wednesday Team.
Leslie said:
Where I taught I did not notice it, but some parents complained that their children should “have gotten a better grade!” (How’s that for grammar?) I always showed them their work and if other (better) work was displayed on the classroom bulletin boards, I would refer them to what an “A” grade should look like. Frankly, I’m glad I’m not in the system anymore.
Leslie
abcw team
Hazel said:
Presenting comparisons of schoolwork to those who complain about grades is such a good idea. That should make them see what is supposed to be or not. Thank you Leslie. Lucky you you’re not in the system anymore.
Anthony North said:
This seems to be happening a lot in the UK, too. Every time the main results are published, there are media debates on whether we’re ‘dumbing down’.
Excellent post.
Carver said:
Great post. Grade inflation isn’t good for anyone. Carver, ABC Wednesday Team