Both the marking system and the grading system have their pros and cons. Whereas marks help students identify their exact scores, grades place students in predefined categories such as A and B. Under the marking system, even if two students are of similar calibre, one can ace out the other by a fraction of a point. This level of assessment encourages competitiveness. To score that one extra mark, students devote more time to study and pay attention to detail.
The positive side-effect of this is that the students acquire knowledge. However, the marking system can also lead to the perception that high marks, rather than real knowledge, are important. If students learn to differentiate between the two, give importance to learning and knowledge acquisition, and consider marks just a means to gauge their knowledge, the marking system can work well for them. Even so, if knowledge enhancement and overall development of students is the prime goal, the grading system is preferable.
This system places students of similar calibre on an equal footing and, thus, zeroes out complexes and negativity. Education becomes a pleasant pastime rather than a chore. Ultimately, the students, as well as the teachers, emerge wiser. What is the purpose of education without competitiveness? What will be motivational factor if there will be no competition in education? Grading system is like killing the sense of competition and removing all motivation from the education system.
Let me explain how mark system is better for the pupils and for the society as a whole. Suppose there is a class having a number of students. In the mark system students are told there marks as exactly they get. A student getting 92% is different from another who is getting 90% marks. The 92% holder also gets the first rank. While there are a few students who can’t score 60% marks. The percentage system tell the pupils where they really stand. It segregates the best from the better, the excellent from the… [continues]
The Essay on Skills vs Knowledge in Education
Skills vs. Knowledge in Education Education systems all over the world are based on the idea that students get and remember information from teachers and books. These systems test this knowledge with standardized tests which compare students to each-other. They only test the kind of information which is possible to measure in tests. The goal is gaining information, not developing skills by which ...
