Traditional Letter Grades Face Criticism: Red Bridge's Mastery-Based System Offers Hope
Traditional letter grading systems are facing criticism from educators and cognitive scientists alike. They argue that these systems can hinder learning and negatively impact students' mental health. Alternatives, like the mastery-based system at Red Bridge, are gaining traction.
Cognitive science tells us that effective feedback is crucial for skill development. However, letter grades often fail to provide specific, actionable feedback. Instead, they instill fixed mindsets, such as 'I'm an A student' or 'I'm a bad student', which can be detrimental to learning. This rigidity and finality makes it difficult to foster a healthy mindset towards learning and feedback.
Alternative systems, like the learning credit model at Red Bridge, focus on demonstrating skills. Students at Red Bridge love this system and are eager to discuss their learning and next steps. This shift helps educators focus on skill development rather than just assigning grades. Moreover, it can help alleviate the mental health issues linked to the demands of letter grading systems.
The move away from letter-based grading systems is not just about changing a method of assessment. It's about changing mindsets, both for students and educators. By focusing on skill development and providing actionable feedback, alternative systems like the one at Red Bridge can help create a more positive and productive learning environment.
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