What are the consequences of adopting a pass or fail grading system?

Whats wrong with my perfect grading system?

• I've noticed that the grading system schools today use (California at least) are not very accurate at displaying the knowledge learned that year, more designed for, as best I can tell, a high passing rate. so as a result I formed my perfect grading system and would like to know if anything is wrong with it. Tests: 50% Final assessment: 30% Quizzes/projects: 20%. there would be other punishments for not doing homework than having it incorporated into the grading system and tainting the results (homework in the grading scales shows just how much your mother, friends, and Google knows, not what you've learned). if you find and problems with this grading rubric than e-mail me at [email protected] so I may respond with a solution.

• Answer:

  As a psychologist, I have to advise against the use of negative reinforcement (punishment) when a student does not turn in their homework. Quite simply, punishment does not work. The issue of assigning grades to students is controversial, but regardless of their "rightness," grades are an extrinsic motivator. Replacing an extrinsic motivator (which works) with punishment (which does not work) is a serious flaw that must be addressed. Of course, the ideal scenario is to foster intrinsic motivation in your students. Tricky, but ideal. I have attached a link to a research article on the subject (although there are a ton more if you look though any given research database, I find this one to be well written and easily digestible. I'm not a fan of "journalese"). If you have any questions, feel free to contact me :)