Grading on a curve is a highly useful tool that all professors should utilize in their classes.
Procedures that are used to grade on a curve vary among professors and institutions. Some teachers curve based on the class average of a test score while others simply bump the highest grade up to 100 percent and scale the rest of the class scores by a similar amount.
In any case, grading on a curve is beneficial not only for the student, but more importantly, the teacher.
Students who have experienced curved grading have clearly seen the upside. Their scores are boosted by a few extra points, which in turn amounts for a better test score and a higher grade in the class. Who wouldn’t want extra points on a difficult test?
As for professors, curved grading can be an extremely useful method to improve their teaching skills. It can help teachers analyze and adjust scores accordingly. If a teacher was able to assess the results of a test and come to the conclusion that the exam was too difficult based on the class’ poor results, then grading on a curve has done its job.
From this point, the instructor would be able to adjust the questions if necessary or even modify his or her teaching methods. If an entire class were to miss a certain question and the professor simply awarded the students with an extra point, then curved grading was not fully accomplished.
The root purpose of this type of grading is to learn from mistakes. At the point when the instructor redefines their lesson to make sure students know the correct answer is when curved grading is thoroughly helpful.
Grading on a curve also creates more of a competitive atmosphere for students in certain situations. The incentive with this grading policy gives students the motive to strive for the best test score, as the student with the highest score will automatically receive 100 percent.
Pupils who know they are not as knowledgeable on certain material have the relief of knowing that extra points will be awarded to their final score. This in turn creates less stress and anxiety going into an exam as a student.
Different forms of curved grading may be used effectively depending on the class and the academic level of a group of students. It is a favorable method for all students and a valuable tool for professors who use it correctly. Grading on a curve improves test scores and teaching skills across the board.
