Grading in Education

Grading in Education - Types of Grading

1. Grading in Education Suresh Babu G Assistant Professsor CTE CPAS Paippad , Kottayam

2. Grading The grading system is the process by which educators evaluate the performance of the pupils in exams on the standard particular scales which is based on the points entirely and consist of the grades like A-F or range like 1-10; generally, letters and numbers are used to describe the grades of the scholars A grading system in education is a system that is used to assess the educational performance of a child which is entirely based upon points alone. A+ A B+ B

3. Features of Grading When students level of performance are classified into a few classificatory units using letter grade , the system of assessment is called grading system. In grading classification is made on 5 point, 7 point , 9 point scale. It is a score It identifies students performance level with a wide range It involves the use of set of specialized symbols whose meaning ought to be objectively defined in terms of specific criteria.

4. 9 point scale Grading System Score % Letter Grade Interpretation 90 – 100 A+ Outstanding 80 – 89 A Excellent 70 - 79 B+ Very Good 60 – 69 B Good 50 – 59 C+ Above Average 40 – 49 C Average 30 – 39 D+ Marginal 20 – 29 D Need Improvement Below 20 E Need Improvement

5. General Classification of Grading Percentage Grading   – From 0 to 100 Percent Letter grading and variations  – From A Grade to F Grade Norm-referenced grading   – Comparing students to each other usually letter grades Mastery grading   – Grading students as “masters” or “passers” when their attainment reaches a prespecified level Pass/Fail   – Using the Common Scale as Pass/Fail Standards   grading   (or Absolute-Standards grading or Criterion Referred grading) – Comparing student performance to a pre-established standard (level) of performance Narrative grading   -Writing Comments about students

6. Types of Grading

7. Direct Grading Judgment of any given phenomenon (achievement) skills, personality traits the evaluator in items of most appropriate letter grade without assigning the scores. In examination, the evaluator will award a particular grade to the answer for each individual questions on the basis of its quality. The Grade Point Average (GPA) calculated for obtaining the overall grade of the student in a particular subject Letter Grade A B C D E F G H I Numerical Value of Grade 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 GPA = Total Numerical value of obtained Grade ÷ Total Numerical Value

8. Disadvantage of Direct Grading Massive and time consuming. Mistakes can’t be ruled out. Suitable only for small group. Not feasible for large-scale examination

9. Indirect Grading/Non Direct Grading Method of awarding grades through marks. Marks are awarded to the individual questions on the basis of the prescribed marking scheme. Find out the total mark and convert to grade.

10. Absolute Grading Based on a definite set of standard when evaluating a student’s performance. Based on teachers pre-specifying standard for performance. Based on criterion referenced, and keep tasks mind without any variability. Some fixed range of scores are determined in advance for each grade. The score obtained by a student in a subject converted. Example A = 90-100 B = 80-89 C = 70-79 D = 60-69 F = 0-59

11. Relative Grading It ids based on how a student’s performance compared to others in the group/class. It is norm referenced and focus on the variability in the quality of students. The grading range is not fixed in advance. It shows a normal probability curve. Procedure : 1. A group of students are divided into different groups 2. Find out the number of students in each grade using statistical methods. 3. Using this number of students in each grade find out the range in each grade 4. Corresponding grades are given to each students who fall in different ranges Example A = Top 10% of students B = Next 25% of students C = Middle 30% of students D = Next 25% of students F = Bottom 10% of students

12. Grading Advantages Takes the pressure off from the students at certain levels Grading Pattern description Gives the students an obvious idea about their weaknesses and strengths Make class work easier Leads to a better rendezvous of ideas Disadvantages 1. It doesn’t instil a sense of competition Not an accurate representation of the performance and the knowledge gained. It is not an exact scoring system Lack of incentives