Grades Are Not Just Numbers
(Concept Paper)
Grading in academic term is a way for educators to evaluate each individual student’s performance. The first grading scale was implemented in 1785 by Yale President, Ezra Stiles in the United States based on four descriptions: Optimi, Second Optimi, Inferiores, and Perjores. The current grading system in Senior High Schools in the Philippines, is composed of three parts namely written works, performance tasks, and quarterly assessments. “Grades are proof of the consistent hard work and effort of a student, some, view it as insignificant.”
Grades are extremely important and there are reasons why it is. It is essential for your future as grades can determine whether you can get into your desired school. It can also lead to more chances of getting a scholarship. Lastly, when getting a job, employers/companies may look at your grades, and they typically look for a GPA of 3.5-4. Students should at least strive to get passing grades as it can make the future easier. Not having to stress about grades is healthy for mental health. Passing grades also guarantee admission to the next semester or year level. When a subject is failed, a student might have to retake the subject or worse, repeat the school year. If they are lucky enough, although rarely, teachers may give them a barely passing grade just so they can proceed to the next year level or semester.
Mental health is a widely discussed topic in today’s youth and academics are intertwined with it and how it affects the mental health of a student. The workload given to students is mentally draining and physically exhausting. It uses too much brain power and energy. The current grading system is not healthy because of the mental strain it causes the students. There are increased risks of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. The pressure placed on students is a problem, even for high achievers as the grading system only got more challenging. To achieve good grades, students oftentimes sacrifice their mental health for it. The current grading system is also to be blamed for the deprivation of creativity in students. The logical and educational side is what students mostly focus on nowadays, while the creative side is often forgotten. Students do not have enough time to explore more of their creativity as a result of busyness and stress in the current grading system.
Getting passing grades and realizing the importance of grades are important for the future of a student and failing a subject might result in having to repeat the school year. The current grading system is not healthy for the mental health of students due to the pressure and the amount of workload placed on them. Efficiency in studying can greatly help students in reviewing for a quiz or exam. Effective note-taking is essential, and there are many ways to do it. Studying and familiarizing themselves with future topics greatly help as it gives prior knowledge of the future topic. De-stressing is something students should practice more as they deserve it for their hard work. Trying to explore new hobbies, going out with friends and family, and doing things they enjoy are effective ways to de-stress. "Thus, good grades are still achievable without compromising the mental health of a student.”