Good Grading On The Curve Essay Example

This is a method that entails grading that is based on the notion that letter grades should be spread along a bell-like curve. However, according to teachers, this form of grading is considered to as a motivational tool because it encourages competition among the students. The fact that teachers known for curving are feared and at the same time admired because they offer limited A grades. This fact has forced the students to work extremely hard to attain good grades. This issue has received varying opinion. Some are of the idea that grading on the curve positively affect the performance of the students while some are against the idea of grading on the bell curve.
The opinion of different people brings about the good, bad and the ugly features of the grading system in the picture. On the positive side, this grading system helps in differentiating the student abilities. This curve, therefore, encourages healthy competition. A student will always be a student; in line with this, a student would want to compete among his or her friends so as to determine who has the highest marks.
Nevertheless, this grading system is not good for use especially when it comes to small classes. In this case, there is much for making errors. Other students might even embrace a rather hypocritical attitude towards the classmates. Some may refuse to provide help to other students as well as providing wrong information so that they can remain at the top.
There are other better grading methods when compared to grading on the curve. For instance, standard based grading method. This is a method of grading whereby the performance of the students is likened to a predetermined standard of performance.

References

Coltri, L. S. (2010). Alternative dispute resolution: A conflict diagnosis approach. Boston: Prentice Hall.
Richert, K. (2013). Why Grading on the Curve Hurts. Teaching. Retrieved 7 January 2015, from http://teaching.monster.com/benefits/articles/5658-why-grading-on-the-curve-hurts