Despite the widespread use of letter grading, the A–F system does a disservice to both students and employers, argues Patricia Okker. In practice, Okker says that letter grades result in students having no incentive to perform beyond an A-level while also disincentivizing students from taking risks. Okker contrasts higher education with a gym or place of work, where evaluation is based on continuous qualitative feedback and coaching. The author concludes that since narrative evaluations offer a method that highlights the potential that students may have, they should take the place of the outdated letter grading system.
Inside Higher Ed (Acct Req)
