Will GPA cancellation change lives of Chinese college students?
Jan 8, 2024
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Chinese colleges are canceling GPA to make students' lives easier but will it really make a difference? The podcast discusses the dilemma faced by Chinese college students regarding academic performance and the pressure to achieve higher grades. It also explores the transition from traditional grading systems to a personalized approach in Chinese universities. Additionally, the hosts discuss challenges faced by Chinese college students in accessing resources outside of education and emphasize the importance of taking action instead of overthinking.
27:55
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Quick takeaways
Chinese universities are replacing GPA with letter grades in order to reduce competition and pressure among students.
The cancellation of GPA allows students to focus on personal growth, gain diverse skills, and make decisions based on long-term goals.
Deep dives
Shifting from GPA to Letter Grades
Several influential Chinese universities are changing their academic grading system by replacing GPA with letter grades. This move is intended to reduce intense competition among students and alleviate the pressure to achieve higher scores. Under the new system, grades are assigned from A to F, allowing students to focus more on learning and overall performance rather than obsessing over small score differences. However, some concerns have been raised about the lack of specific numerical rankings and potential challenges in differentiating between grades. Despite this, students have welcomed the change, as it promotes a more well-rounded education and encourages them to pursue diverse interests outside of academics.
Balancing Competitiveness and Personal Growth
The decision to cancel GPA is aimed at creating a more balanced academic environment where students can focus on their personal growth and holistic development. By removing the obsession with achieving high scores, students have more opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities, internships, and volunteering, which can enhance their skills and make them stand out in the job market. The shift in mindset urged by this grading system change is key, as it encourages students to make decisions based on long-term goals and individual interests rather than merely pursuing prestigious grades.
Building World-Class Universities
Chinese universities aspire to become top-level institutions on a global scale. By implementing alternative grading systems that prioritize a well-rounded education, universities aim to cultivate all-around talent that can meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. These changes provide students with more choices and opportunities, allowing them to pursue their passions and develop a diverse skill set. The focus is on empowering students to make decisions that align with their interests and future career paths, rather than confining them to rigid grading systems. Additionally, universities should continue to facilitate access to research opportunities and internships to support students' personal and professional growth.
College students need to accrue enough credits to quality for graduation. And if they want to prove they are among the more competitive stock, they need to work hard for a higher GPA score, or rather, a higher ranking among their peers in general. Some schools have now noticed the fierce competition among the most ambitious students and are seeking to make student’s lives a little easier by cancelling the practice of GPA. Will this really make a difference? / Motivational Monday (19:50)! On the show: Laiming, Niu Honglin & Brandon Yates
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