Should Schools Stop Giving Grades?

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1. 01Should Schools Stop Giving Grades?

   Good morning, everyone. Have you ever studied only for the test, and then forgotten everything? I have, many times. Some educators believe the problem is grades themselves. Today, I'll look at both sides: should schools stop giving grades?

2. 02What Would It Look Like?

   First, what would a school without grades look like? Instead of an A or a seventy-five, students would get written feedback about what they did well and what to improve.

3. 03For: Focus on Learning

   Supporters say removing grades would shift the focus from scores to learning. Without the pressure of a number, students might take more risks, ask more questions, and follow their curiosity.

4. 04For: Better Feedback

   They also argue that a single number tells students very little. A comment like "Your argument is strong, but your examples need more detail" is much more useful than a B-plus.

5. 05Against: Motivation and Clarity

   On the other hand, critics point out that grades motivate many students. A clear grade tells students and parents quickly whether someone is on track or needs help.

6. 06Against: Universities and Fairness

   There's also a practical problem. Universities and employers often need a simple way to compare applicants. And written feedback can be more subjective than grades, which might be less fair.

7. 07My View: Fewer Grades, More Feedback

   In my view, the answer is fewer grades, not zero grades. Practice work and drafts could be ungraded, with feedback only. Grades could be kept for final tasks, and always come with comments.

8. 08Conclusion

   To conclude, grades are a tool, not the goal. If we use them less often and explain them better, students can learn for learning's sake, while still knowing where they stand. Thank you.