Scott Zadig
There are many students across the nation that rely on the concept of test curving in order to pass a class they may be struggling in. Test curves could mean a passing grade for a student who actually failed a final exam, or a perfect score for a student who was five points shy of acing a test. And for those who are not so lucky, the extra points given to them could still lead them to a failing grade. Teachers use this method of grading as a way to motivate their students because it is said to create competition. Since there are not very many A’s given out in this method of grading, the pressure on students to get one of the very few good grades inspires students to work harder and take classes more seriously.
Test curving on the other hand seems like it would have negative affects on students’ motivation to learn, in my opinion. For instance, if a student has prior knowledge that a professor is going to curve the test, then that student will most likely not study as hard as they would for a test without a curve. Students who have this mindset could then get in the habit of relying on the curve to bump up their test grades and sail through college without thoroughly learning important concepts they may need in the future. Not all students have the determination to get A’s on a test either. Some are very much satisfied with receiving a B or C as long as it means they can pass the class before the semester is over. With that said, test curving could possibly lower the motivation level of students since they realize that they do not have to work as hard or learn as much to get by in a class.
There are many students across the nation that rely on the concept of test curving in order to pass a class they may be struggling in. Test curves could mean a passing grade for a student who actually failed a final exam, or a perfect score for a student who was five points shy of acing a test. And for those who are not so lucky, the extra points given to them could still lead them to a failing grade. Teachers use this method of grading as a way to motivate their students because it is said to create competition. Since there are not very many A’s given out in this method of grading, the pressure on students to get one of the very few good grades inspires students to work harder and take classes more seriously.
Test curving on the other hand seems like it would have negative affects on students’ motivation to learn, in my opinion. For instance, if a student has prior knowledge that a professor is going to curve the test, then that student will most likely not study as hard as they would for a test without a curve. Students who have this mindset could then get in the habit of relying on the curve to bump up their test grades and sail through college without thoroughly learning important concepts they may need in the future. Not all students have the determination to get A’s on a test either. Some are very much satisfied with receiving a B or C as long as it means they can pass the class before the semester is over. With that said, test curving could possibly lower the motivation level of students since they realize that they do not have to work as hard or learn as much to get by in a class.
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