The topic of my blog discussion today is going to focus on student reactions to grades based on two different grading systems of Criterion referenced which will focus on the Angoff Method for determining cutoff scores and the other method is a Normed referenced system which includes the topics of scoring on a curve or the distribution method of grading.
First I think that it is important to understand that all students are concerned with their grades and how they are performing in class. In my experience it is the students that are not performing well in school either act out or display the behavior of not caring as a defense mechanism they blame teachers for not liking them or they blame others even develop low self esteem and believe that they are not intellectually gifted. While not all of these issues can be solved with one easy step, explaining to students how they are going to be assessed in the classroom and the type of grading system they will be under will help them to understand the workings of the class and what is expected of them.
Criterion referenced grading and the Angoff Method for determining cutoff scores is a system of grading that uses a set of scores or a certain percentage that a student must score on the test in order to pass the exam. For example a student may take a test and have to score a 70 percent or higher on the test in order to pass the test. I find that this method of testing although needed in areas of certification such as teaching certifications and doctors licensing should be held to this style of testing. However I think that this kind of testing should be kept out of the classroom and used sparingly with students in the normal education setting.
Normed Referenced grading includes grading on a curve. Grading on a curve involves the use of the entire classes grades and how they are scored from the top of the class to the bottom. The scores are then analyzed by the teacher to see where the majority of the students scored on the test. This is a way to help students receive more points on a test if the course material is rather difficult. I think that this form of testing has a place in the classroom but should be used sparingly.
Referrences
intl-ehp.sagepub.com/cgi/content/refs/30/4/362
www.ipacweb.org/conf/08/baylessa.pdf
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_curve_grading
www.ehow.com/how_2096952_grade-k12-students-curve.html
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