Chapter 7

Abstract:
Chapter seven was about grading and the importance, or lack there of, in the classroom. All educators have their own way of grading. It can be based on how well they think the students know the material, the type of student, the students rank in the class, or the effort given from the student; it all depends on the teacher’s attitude. This not only makes it difficult to get accurate results, but it can be difficult for students to get anything out of the material they are working on. Students will often just work hard enough or remember what they need to get the grade they want, and will often forget it, and they do not enjoy the material as much. Educators should focus more on assessing and evaluation, rather then assigning a bunch of work that will be graded. Students run a greater risk of failure, if an educator has an attitude of sticking to a grade book, and not bending to apply other strategies that maximize the students learning. Many schools in foreign countries and some in the U.S.A. have already started throwing the grading system out the window and focused more on assessing and evaluation. This way educators are constantly designing lessons based on their assessments from the previous class. Teachers know exactly where their students are at, and the students are more appreciative and are more involved in the work. When teachers do grade, they should focus more on raising the students up, rather then bringing them down. Make them understand that there grade can only go up, and not start at 100 and go down. Students tend to get down, and a negative attitude when they see the teacher is disappointed in them or there is a mark that is degrading.

Reflection:
We all liked the last idea that the teacher should never put a disappointed face next to a grade, or make it look like the students are going down rather then up. It may be small, but it could be the difference in a confidence booster or confidence killer. We like the idea of limited grading, but we feel that it should not be thrown out the window completely. Students need feedback, and assessments and discussion are the best way to go, but sometimes letting them see where they stand with the rest of the class is another helpful way of letting them understand. It is also a way of recognizing the students who have put in the extra hard work, and held on to the content.

By: Tyler