Grading System: A better way to assess knowledge

Grading in education is the process of applying standardized measurements of varying levels of achievement in a course. Grades can be assigned in letters (for example A, B, C, D, E or F), as a range (for example 1 to 6), as a percentage of a total number correct, as a number out of a possible total (for example out of 20 or 100), or as descriptors (excellent, great, satisfactory, needs improvement). In some countries, all grades from all current classes are averaged to create a grade point average (GPA) for the marking period. 

Grading System is a better way of assessment compared to giving numbers (or %) and measuring the cramming power rather than knowledge gain. In Indian Education system a person is believe to be a master of all rather than working on the strength of a student he/she is expected to perform excellent in every subject( to get excellent % somewhere in 90z). Parental pressure as well peer pressure to perform well academically is so much that some students end up committing suicide by getting over stressed and scared. Education should be structured in such a manner that it becomes a well appreciated choice rather than a mere obligation. The grades should be categorized in such a manner that the student who gets an E is not insulted to have flunked rather he/she should be suggested to improve and work hard for better grades. Parameters set for not promoting to next class should not be restricted to marks in tests rather by introducing assignments on timely basis throughout the year can be of a good help in assessing knowledge gained.

The concept that every child is gifted with individual capabilities can help in making the education system better. If we keep stretching the kid to get the best out of him by making him the master of all the subjects then we might end up killing his best capability in his area of interest. By making education a rat race with cut throat competition we are just killing a child’s creativity and his capability to make a difference in his/her area of interest. A person who is good with numbers need not always be good in literature or history. We must try and analyze a child’s interest from the very beginning and try to make him/her master the skills according to his/her interest. But if we keep concentrating on his/her % then might be we lose a possible “Einstein” or “Steve Jobs”. Let’s try and assess knowledge gained rather than making children compete with each other for higher scores.