Yale introduced the first formal grading system in 1785, these grades are added up into averages showing how the students are doing academically. Schools think this is the best approach to portraying how well students understand the material, but various studies show that people disagree.
One of the issues with grades is the kind of feedback they represent. Grades can cause stress in students, and disappointment when students don’t get passing or “good enough” scores. When students are constantly worried about how one grade can affect them overall, it can cause students to not put in their best effort when completing tasks.
Another main issue is when completing assignments and activities. Instead of attempting to do their best and maximize the learning experience, grades can lead students to focus purely on what they get, and not how, or what they learn.
The traditional grading system has been shown to be ineffective. It can impact students’ academic performance, inaccurately show how well they know specific material, and cause a lack of motivation overall.
