In this episode, we delve back into our discussion about the book 'Grading for Equity' by Joe Feldman. The third chapter which we are exploring is titled 'How Traditional Grading Stifles Risk Taking and Supports the Commodity of Grades' and opens up the conversation about belief systems and the prevailing view on student achievement. We discuss the stark differences between the Industrial Revolution beliefs and 21st-century beliefs regarding education, and raise questions about how grading methods should shift in light of these changes. We particularly focus on the harm that a heavy focus on extrinsic motivation can cause and the negative implications of traditional grading practices on the trust and relationship between teachers and students. Furthermore, we scrutinize how grades have become a commodity leading to competition rather than collaboration and debate whether traditional grading serves the purpose of preparing students for post-secondary education or not. Towards the end, we suggest potential solutions that look beyond punitive grading policies and value both the learning process and the students' individual expressions of learning.
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**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/138**
- 00:00 Introduction to Grading for Equity
- 00:37 Exploring Belief Systems in Education
- 01:42 The Shift in Education Systems and Beliefs
- 04:56 The Impact of Traditional Grading on Risk Taking and Trust
- 07:09 The Negative Consequences of Traditional Grading
- 13:48 The Commodity of Grades and Extrinsic Motivation
- 24:16 The Illusion of Engagement and Motivation
- 25:11 Conclusion and Future Discussions
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