Risks of Grade Dependence

A preoccupation with grades can lead students to become risk-averse in their academic pursuits. Students might choose to play it safe by opting for assignments and courses they can excel in, rather than challenging themselves with more difficult material. This tendency not only limits their educational growth but can also foster an unhealthy fear of failure, which may ultimately detract from genuine learning experiences. By emphasizing grades over mastery, students become less inclined to engage in intellectual risks that are essential for real development.