Ethan Hutt and Jack Schneider on Grades, Tests, and Transcripts
Nov 15, 2023
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Nat Malkus interviews Ethan Hutt and Jack Schneider about their book on grades and transcripts in education. They discuss the history of grading, the inaccurate perception of transcripts, the gamification of grades, and ways to improve grading practices for deeper learning.
Grades serve as extrinsic motivators but should be balanced with promoting intrinsic motivation and genuine love for learning.
Educators should consider rethinking the timing and methods of assessments to accurately capture student learning progress.
Grades should accurately reflect students' competency by utilizing competency-based assessments that allow for retakes until mastery is demonstrated.
Deep dives
The History of Grades and Transcripts
Before the advent of grades and transcripts, schooling was informal and assessments were done through exhibitions, recitations, and classroom arrangements. In the late 19th century, grading and reporting systems started to emerge to fulfill the need for communication, motivation, and synchronization within the education system. As education became more standardized and student mobility increased, there was a push for standardized recording of grades and courses. This led to the establishment of the transcript system in the early 20th century, which became more standardized and homogenized over time to facilitate communication and ranking among educational institutions.
The Motivational Function of Grades
Grades act as extrinsic motivators for students, providing clear feedback and signaling the importance of doing well academically. While some argue that grades can both motivate and demotivate students, they serve as a tool to incentivize students to work hard and pursue academic success. However, it is essential to strike a balance, as excessive focus on grades can lead to stress and unhealthy competition. Educators must consider the role of grades in motivating students while also promoting a genuine love for learning and ensuring that grades accurately reflect actual student abilities.
Challenges and Considerations for Grades and Transcripts
Grades and transcripts present challenges and considerations for educators. One challenge is the limitations of grades in capturing student learning progress, especially for students who start behind and struggle to catch up. In this regard, rethinking the timing and assessment methods can be crucial to providing an accurate representation of student abilities. Additionally, the reliance on grades as a primary motivator can overshadow the significance of instilling intrinsic motivation in students. To address these issues, educators should focus on meaningful assignments and assessments that develop valuable competencies. Moreover, utilizing technology to include student work samples on digital transcripts can offer a more comprehensive understanding of a student's abilities beyond just letter grades.
Making Grades Reflect Competency-Based Assessments
One key point discussed in the podcast is the need for grades to accurately reflect students' competency in specific areas. Currently, grades are often based on one-time assessments that may not capture a student's true abilities. The podcast suggests that if we were serious about this, course grades should be determined by competency-based assessments that students can retake until they demonstrate mastery. This would allow students to have a transcript that accurately reflects their skills and growth, rather than being limited by a single assessment at a specific point in time.
The Role of Grades in Standardizing Education
The podcast also delves into the role of grades in standardizing education. While setting standards for education is important to ensure equal opportunities for all students, grades may not always effectively measure learning and achievement. The podcast suggests that there should be a balance between setting standards and using grades as a tool to motivate and assess students. Additionally, the podcast highlights the need for synchronization in grading systems, where common points of comparison and assessment are established across different schools and districts to maintain consistency in evaluating student performance.
On this episode of The Report Card, Nat Malkus speaks with Ethan Hutt and Jack Schneider about their new book, Off the Mark: How Grades, Ratings, and Rankings Undermine Learning (but Don’t Have To). Nat, Ethan, and Jack discuss grades, tests, and transcripts; whether grades do a good job of motivating student learning; how our current grading system came into existence; grading abroad; short-haul and long-haul messages; AP exams; the difficulty of narrative grading; whether transcripts should be updated for the digital age; making grades overwritable; the GED; how teachers can improve their grading practices; and more.
Ethan Hutt is Associate Professor of Education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Jack Schneider is the Dwight W. Allen Distinguished Professor of Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
