When we put a lot of focus on the grade in school and college, are we limiting the growth of the students’ learning?
If ultimately the course grade is what matters, then the students will study accordingly and stay within the framework of the course curriculum. In theory, the student’s grade is expected to represent his or her understanding of the course material and a way for teachers to assess the student’s knowledge of the subject matter. This will continue to keep many students incentivized to take classes where they can earn easy A’s and not be as hungry to seek out challenging yet important classes that actually lead to their intellectual growth.
As long as we have GPA’s and scores to measure progress and understanding of a subject matter, it will have its shortcomings. If it’s not going to be on the exam, then why would students put more extra effort than needed or go beyond their coursework. With GPAs and test scores not going anywhere anytime soon, we’re left to ask ourselves:
As a teacher,
how can you instill a hunger for learning beyond the course curriculum?
how can you prepare the students for a future of tomorrow?
how can you support the growth of students who are struggling academically but talented in other areas?
As a parent,
how can you encourage your child/children’s learning and education beyond the school’s course curriculum?
how can you encourage your child/children to ask questions as much as having answers?
how can you prepare your child/children for the future of tomorrow?
As a student,
why are you taking these courses and how will they add value to your long term career?
how can you become more aware of the changing job market and prepare yourself accordingly at school/college?
what are your strength areas and how will you continue to hone them or add more skills to be job market relevant?
