Today in class we were getting papers back. Normally when teachers are passing back assignments all of the students get really anxious to know what their grade was and what the point totals were. When the assignment is given back and the grade shows, the immediate thought is what is my grade and percentage in the class now? Mr. Bolos and Mr. O'Connor were explaining today how they don't grade based off of the point totals and the percentage. Although we don't know exactly how their grading process works yet, it seems as if it is a rare way of grading. It seems as if our grades will be based off of the content of our work and our participation within the class. I really envy this teaching style because the grades and perecentages should not be the main focus within the class. It should be about growth in learning and the overall scheme of work ethic, etc. I have never had any other classes like this and rather than doing the work to learn it, it was all about the end grade and percentage.
Has anyone had a class that graded similar to this? Are students only worried about what their grade is going to be? Why do we think like this, where did these ideas come from?
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3 comments:
There are pros and cons to grades. The benefit of grades is that they provide a gauge of performance. They let the student know where they stand. The downside to grades is that they become the goal, not the process of learning. The journey is lost in the destination. However, if grades are not going to be given, then students need some sort of feedback on their work.
I agree with Kimber. Grades are such a good way of keeping track of your progress but at the same time, kids, especially at New Trier, always freak out when something even as high as a C comes their way! I think it stresses people out way too much and grades can be overrated. Sure-you dont want to make it a habit of getting D's and F's but if you let one or two slip, i dont think it will make or break your college career.
I agree with both Kimber and Maddie H. The competition at NT is crazy and grades do not help at all! Ive heard many things about NT and one thing I have heard quite often is that NT teaches you to :take tests, get out of things, and get A's. I really do not think that is a legacy the school wants to leave, and I definitly do not think that is beneficial to students. The way that Mr. Bolos and Mr. O'Connor grade makes things alot more based on trying and doing your best instead of learning how to get around things. I definitly like this style better then others I have been taught with.
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