Page 237 - DEDU504_EDUCATIONAL_MEASUREMENT_AND_EVALUATION_ENGLISH

Unit 19 : Grading - Need, Problems, Components and Methods

(a) Direct grading (b) Alternative grading Notes
(c) Indirect grading (d) Absolute grading
(iv) _________ is also called norm referenced grading.
(a) Direct grading (b) Indirect grading
(c) Absolute grading (d) Relative grading

19.7 Summary

• Adoption of grading system in India, the grading system was introduced in 2008-09 from
class I-VIII, reducing the exam stress. Extending the concept to class IX and X has further
reduced the pressure, giving students an opportunity to explore other avenues. Following
the US model, the implementation of the grading system is to bring in more practical
education than the current theoretical method. This model prescribes a varied range of
opportunities, providing children of all levels a platform to showcase their talent and
pursue their interests traditionally; class XI students were given subjects as per marks scored
in Class X. This system often disappointed students if they scored low.
• Grading is a method of communicating students’ achievement using a set of symbols supposed
to be properly defined and understood clearly by students, teachers, parents and all other
concerned people. Meaning of each symbol of grades must be clearly defined.
• Need of Grading
• A number of purposes are served by grading, as listed below :
(a) It provides an account of the level of instructional objectives achieved by students, which
is useful to both teachers and parents.
(b) Grades provides a sort of permanent record of students growth, which is useful to institutes
of higher learning for admissions, besides to the prospective employees.
(c) It serves the purpose of making decisions by school it self in terms of promotions and
placement.
• There are different ways depending upon the reference point used. When the reference
point is the approach, grading may be Direct grading and Indirect grading. When the
reference point is the standard of judgment, grading may be termed Absolute grading and
Relative grading.
• Direct Grading
• When the performance of students is assessed in qualitative terms and the impression the
examiner or the teacher makes is expressed directly in terms of letter grades, it is Direct
grading. This method of direct grading can be used for assessment of both cognitive and
non-cognitive learning outcomes. However, it is preferred for assessment of non-cognitive
outcomes of learning.
• Indirect Grading
• In this case students’ performance is assessed in terms of marks, which are then transformed
into letter grades, using different methods.
• It is based on pre-determined standard, which becomes the reference point for assessing
students’ performance. This involve direct conversion of marks into grades, categorising
students into different groups like first, second and third divisions as exemplified below.
• This method involves simple procedure, and the meaning of each grade is understood.
Criterion being the focal point; the student discover their strengths and weaknesses and
each student can strive for attaining the highest grade.

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