Expert: Patricia Ireland-Williams - 3/4/2008

Question
Hello,
I am a seventeen year old highschool senior involved in a debate that is going to take place in three weeks. The topic of my debate is " Should students be given grades?". Basically the argument is about whether intrinsic rewards or extrinsic rewards are a more effective approach to educating children?
I would love to start a discussion wtih you to get my brain thinking :)

Answer
I do not believe that students should be "given" grades.....they should earn them.  

Student work must be evaluated on a frequent basis in order to give them feedback about their own learning as well as to let the teacher know what he/she has learned.  Furthermore, every teacher is accountable to his/her Principal in order to report student progress on a regular basis.  These evaluations are then reported to the State and National entities.  Testing and grades will be will us forever in that a great deal of documentation is required.  In many states, funding for schools is determined by student achievement
levels.

Grades are also necessary in order to determine eligibility for student participation in athletic competition, scholarships and entry into colleges and universities.  

In terms of intrinsic vs. extrinsic rewards, both are necessary in order to give valuable feedback to learners.  To use one without the other would be ineffective.

Best wishes on your debate......

Patricia