An examination of the relative grading system

A big criticism against it is that it promotes undue competition among the pupils. Because marks are given based on performance with respect to peers, slight changes in scoring can have a huge difference in outcomes.

- DR. ALISHA VERMA

Every educational system has assessment at its core which is very fundamental to gauge and enhance the learning outcomes. The primary purpose is to see how much knowledge, skills and competencies students are able to achieve during the course of their study. Evaluations give students constructive criticism by informing them about what they do well and what they have to work on. It helps teachers who want to improve their teaching methods or alignment of courses with educational objectives. Without an effective evaluation system in place, one will find it very difficult to instil a sense of responsibility within the boundaries of any institution leading to the culture of excellence and continuous improvement being lost. Again, the evaluation method itself affects the effectiveness of the assessment. Grading practices determine, among other things, how students perform, they motivate students and there is fairness among different practices. Generally, there are three basic types of grading system which are used in most countries:

1. Absolute Grading Model:

Usually pupils are advised of their grade based purely on some established standard irrespective of what has occurred in the particular class. For example, a 90%97% may equal an A; 80%89% would be the grade of a B, and so on. It is simple, concise, and easily understood by students. Nevertheless, it would be unfair if one exam was considered extremely hard, while another one easy.

2. Relative Grading Model:

Grades of the students are evaluated concerning their colleagues. The best grade becomes the standard, with others assigned according to the frequency distribution of scores, usually following a bell-shaped curve. This method captures the differences in difficulty among examinations but could create an unhealthy competition and stress among students.

3. Narrative Grading Model: