Some Thoughts on Grades

By James R. Martin

Deming Main Page | Education Issues Main Page

A pass or fail system is used for professional exams (e.g., Bar, CPA, CMA, CIA etc.) and could be used in schools. These systems are really pass or incomplete systems because parts of these exams can be passed at different times when the student is ready. One of the main problems for schools is that degree programs, as opposed to professional certification programs, are time based rather than competency based. As Deming points out, grades, typical in time based programs, place everyone along some arbitrary scale of achievement determined by the teacher. However, when a "P", or any other grade, is guaranteed for every student, the emphasis shifts totally to intrinsic motivation. In a system where extrinsic motivation (grading) has been emphasized, many students will not have enough intrinsic motivation to promote the desired amount of learning in a time based program (See Deming's graphic illustration). Some combination, or balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation appears to be needed. Perhaps students should be given an "I" for incomplete or delay in passing rather than failing, but if there is no penalty for not learning, many will not learn and degree programs would become continuing education programs. In a pass or fail program there would be no reason for students to compete for a grade and more motivation to cooperate and help each other. A key would be where to draw the line between pass and fail.

Western Governors University may have solved this problem. It has competency based on-line degrees with no credit hours and no grades. Degrees are based on a series of assessments that measure competencies. See my note on the Kamenetz article for more changes in higher education and links to WGU and other related sites.