College grade deflation

[Anonymous]

Interesting article on college grading, learning, and effect of grade deflation.

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/09/11/opinion/sunday/why-we-should-stop-grading-students-on-a-curve.html?smprod=nytcore-ipad&smid=nytcore-ipad-share&_r=0&referer=

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Interesting article on college grading, learning, and effect of grade deflation.

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/09/11/opinion/sunday/why-we-should-stop-grading-students-on-a-curve.html?smprod=nytcore-ipad&smid=nytcore-ipad-share&_r=0&referer=

I read that and I can tell you that there is no such thing as not grading on a curve. A professor (at least a good one) writes an exam to be a mix of questions some kids can answer and questions any kid should answer. If the prof does it right, you more or less get the grade distribution you want (especially over time). Doesn't matter whether you set the standard for excellence at 50 or 90. It is all the same. There's nothing magic about 90. There's no such thing as mastering all the material, because there's always more material and deeper ways to understand it. So BS.

[Anonymous]

Anecdotally, I've heard that grading is more generous at the very top universities (Top 10ish) but more challenging at those trying to get to (or remain in) the Top 25.