Oct 10 Exit splip

In today’s debate, we explored the topic of grades and their role in education. One key point was that grades are not standardized, meaning they vary across schools and might not reflect a student’s true learning. We discussed how focusing on building skills, rather than achieving grades, leads to better outcomes and growth. Another important idea was the importance of intrinsic motivation—students are more likely to succeed when they are motivated to learn for the sake of learning, not just to earn a grade. It was also pointed out that grades can sometimes discourage students, especially those who perform poorly, and may limit their creativity and autonomy. Finally, we agreed that grades often fail to capture a student’s actual understanding or progress.

My classmates from the opposing sides also brought up important points. They highlighted ongoing challenges in North American education. Many schools still rely heavily on traditional grading systems, which can sometimes overshadow the importance of learning skills. In a world where innovation and critical thinking are increasingly valued, the focus on grades might slow down students’ development of these essential abilities. Moreover, we proposed that grades can harm students' mental health, creating stress and competition rather than motivation for learning. As schools explore alternative methods, like project-based assessments or portfolios, there’s hope for a shift toward systems that better reflect and support students’ growth. Our discussion today reinforces the need to rethink grading practices and prioritize teaching approaches that inspire lifelong learners.