9A: Testing the Hypothesis, Part 2
In my first post regarding testing the hypothesis, I introduced the proposal of UF removing the (+) and (-) in the grading system. This opportunity will benefit all UF students. I interviewed five people, ranging from parents, students and professors regarding this opportunity. Each individual has provided their own insight on the topic.
Outside the boundary
Who: Students who already receive straight a's and students of other universities
What: The new grading policy won't make a difference because these students are already getting straight a's. Also, this policy is only being implemented at the University of Florida so students at other schools won't be affected by it.
Why?: Some people expressed how this policy would lower the standard of the university, especially since our university is a top 10 and striving to be a top 5. Another concern people have expressed is that in graduate school these students will have a harder time because they have been given lower standards to abide by right now. Also, in top professions it is important to only have the best of the best that's why it's important to weed out the people who aren't as good early on so they can pursue something more appropriate for them
Inside my boundary:
- UF students pursuing harder majors
- Parents
- Professors
- TA's
Outside my boundary:
- Grad schools
- Employers (particularly of professional careers)
- UF
Hey Sara,
ReplyDeleteI can understand the perspective of those outside of your boundary. Removing the (+) and (-) from our grading system could lead to a lower standard for the University. Especially because UF is a higher ranked school, it could have a negative impact. The point made about weeding out students really stood out to me because it is so true! I think you did a great job discovering the elements outside of your original boundary.
Hi Sara,
ReplyDeleteI am kind of confused on how taking away a + or - would lower the standard to perform well in the class. I feel like because you are taking away both plus and minus it evens out: for example a student would benefit from this system when getting an A for a 90 instead of an A- but would lose out when they get an 89 and would have had a B+ and receives a B. Point being, it might even itself out and I wonder if that would convince some outside of your boundary.
I agree that removing the plus and minus grade marks from grading would make a large difference for students that are on the fence of having to withdraw from the class. I do not think it would be an excuse for a lower standard, although it would give those who were less deserving of a grade than others the same grade, for instance someone who scores a 90% and someone who scores a 99% would have the same grade. However, if the University cares about the outcome internally than they can just implement a GPA system taht revolves around a 1-100 scale. This would still give the students the opportunity to have the grade they still earned on their records, and not have to withdraw if they were a couple points off and left with a minus grade.
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