We live in a society that uses grades as a reflection of learning. Grades are supposed to show how well you know a subject, but is that what they really show? In our society it has become more about getting the grade than actually learning the subject. What impact do grades even have on learning? Jerry Farber, a professor at the University of California wrote an article, titled “A Young Person’s Guide,” that discussed grades and the impact, or lack thereof, they have on learning. Farber is correct in saying that our school grading systems are terrible because grades are not an accurate representation of someone's knowledge.
In his article, Farber discusses how students learn a subject and information …show more content…
He offers the idea of a Credit system. If you can meet the minimum standards set for a course, then you get credit for that course. If you do not meet the requirements then nothing happens. There are no penalties for not passing. A student either gets the credit or they do not. With the credit system, it does not show how many attempts you have taken; your record only shows the credits you have received. Farber says, “If we reduce the overwhelming pressure for a meaningless, standardized degree, then perhaps we’ll end up with learning facilities that can accommodate even more students than the number that get processed in the factories that we currently operate.” What Farber means by this is if we get rid of the pressure for a grade, then maybe there will be more students pursuing further …show more content…
Grades are a terrible way to evaluate a student’s knowledge and so is the pass-fail system. The pass-fail system does not give any room for separation. With the pass-fail system, there would be no difference between a 4.0 student and a D- student, and that is not fair. Farber offers the idea of a credit system, and I think that is a good idea. The credit system does not show if you failed, so there is nothing against you for trying. I think we need a new way to evaluate students, and the credit system would be a good step to try taking.
Farber is correct in saying that our school grading systems are terrible because grades are not an accurate evaluation tool. Schools should get rid of the grading system. Instead, schools should substitute a different method for evaluation. Schools could try to use the credit system, and see the impact that it has instead of our current grading system. Any other option has to be better than giving A’s and F’s. Is giving grades is the best way to evaluate