Abolish Grades? I Don't Think So

Can you guess the result? The only class I was worried about was the media class where my technical ability would be exposed. The other two teachers saw my production of a slide show as an indication of initiative, enthusiasm and creativity. They all rewarded me with an A. I rewarded myself with a pat on the back for ingenuity.

This solution is not for the lazy. It does not avoid work. It actually requires a lot of work, but you are maximizing your effort by making it serve in more than one class.

Don't ask your teacher for permission to do this, however. Just be sure each submission is tweaked to meet the class assignment. And by all means, please create a fresh cover page with the appropriate course title and teacher's name on it.

5. Don't overemphasize grades. Although grades are an important indicator of your performance, they are not the only factors. How you feel about yourself must eventually outweigh how someone else assesses you. It is reported that Sammy Davis, Jr. once insisted that Caesar's Palace return the admission price to the audience as they left the room as the end of one of his shows. He was so dissatisfied with this performance that he didn't believe the audience should pay for it.

6. If you're ever unhappy with you grade, visit your teacher in her office. Ask for suggestions on improving your grade. Perhaps you'll be allowed to rewrite a paper, or do an additional or alternative assignment. Then keep your agreement with the teacher on how you will rectify the situation.

Grades need not be the bane of your existence as a student. Go after the highest grades possible, but don't be undone by them. View your teachers as partners in helping you assess your learning and as coaches who reward your achievement.

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