In this episode of Trending in Education, host Mike Palmer sits down with Dr. Joshua R. Eyler, author of Failing Our Future: How Grades Harm Students and What We Can Do About It. We dive deep into the complex world of grading systems and their impact on students' learning and well-being.

Dr. Eyler, who directs the Center for Teaching and Learning at the University of Mississippi, shares his journey from English professor to educational researcher. We explore the historical context of grading, its unintended consequences, and the growing movement for grading reform.

Our conversation covers a wide range of topics, including:

• The psychological impact of grades on students' motivation and mental health
• How traditional grading systems can reinforce societal inequities
• Alternative assessment methods, such as standards-based grading and portfolio assessments
• The challenges of institutional change in education
• The role of grades in the evolving landscape of work and artificial intelligence

Key takeaways:

1. Grades often hinder the natural learning process and can contribute to mental health issues among students.
2. There's a growing movement towards alternative grading systems that prioritize learning over evaluation.
3. Rethinking grading practices could better prepare students for the future of work, which demands creativity and risk-taking.

Whether you're an educator, parent, or simply interested in the future of education, this episode offers valuable insights into how we might reimagine assessment to better serve learners and society. Subscribe where you get your pods. Video versions now live on Youtube and Spotify.