Grades have been around for LONG TINE - Research Paper Example

Grading What is the purpose of grades? Grading in education refers to the process used to attain standardized measurements of the varying levels of academic achievement. Grading systems have been part of the education system for a long time. According to peter Airasian, a renowned measurement expert, grading serves the following primary purposes: administrative functions, basis for offering guidance and motivation and as a feedback tool (Black,pg 2).What effect do grades have on students, parents, teachers, administrators?

Grading produces diverse effects that impact all the stakeholders in the academic sector. First, students employ grading system as a motivator. This applies to both underperformers and great performers. For the former they get motivated to change their previous study method and improve while great performers get motivated to keep up their good performance. However, it should be noted that grading in some instances may discourage students especially if they are biased (Hargis, pg12).The second group is the parents who get the opportunity to provide guidance to their children based on the feedback.

Like parents, teachers use the grading system to guide students, particularly with regard to their future career. Such is the case that teachers will employ grades when making initial decisions on student strengths and weaknesses. This serves as a first step when grouping them for instruction.The last group is the administrators that find grading handy in matters such as Placement when students transfer from one school to another, Student matriculation and retention, and Student entrance into college.

Are grades necessary? Is there a better way to assess student’s achievement? If so, what is your idea? Yes. Grading is very vital since it provides the feedback deemed important in assessing progress and making necessary educational plans (Moen, and Martin, pg7).I don’t think there is any other better way to assess student’s achievement and I propose grading systems should be maintained in all areas of education. Works CitedBlack, Kim. "Grading Student Achievement in Higher Education: Signals and Shortcomings (review).

" The Review of Higher Education 34.3 (2011): 505-506. Print.Hargis, Charles H.. Grades and grading practices obstacles to improving education and to helping at-risk students. 2nd ed. Springfield, Ill., U.S.A.: C.C. Thomas, 2003. Print.Moen, Jarle, and Martin Tjelta. "Grading Standards, Student Ability and Errors in College Admission." Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research 54.3 (2010): 221-237. Print.