Wk. 2 - Response to Alicia Welch reading post

Here's what she said:

Wk 2 - The Art of Possibility (Chapters 1-4)

In reading The Art of Possibility, I was drawn to the idea that grades were simply being taken off the table. The teachers agreed to simply given all of the students an A. Yet in receiving this A, these students were required to explain why they would be deserving this grade.

photo taken by Alicia Welch

I can see how this would create a learner that would strive harder to succeed. The students have created the goals themselves. The students have determined what they need to do. The students then need to work to reach their own goals. In some cases, I believe that these students will work harder throughout the semester than those not setting their own goals.

I almost feel as though our classes in EMDT have been somewhat like this. In a way, we have been given an A. It is very clear for us at the beginning of each month what is expected of us. If we desire to keep our A, we must complete the assignments that we have been given. It is very clear which assignment is worth what, and what work needs to be completed to maintain that grade. The biggest difference is going to be that we have not created these goals ourselves. And I understand that for some, that may be the biggest factor.


My response.....

Alicia –

Me personally……I think grades are a waste of time. Now, I understand that at grade levels, you need grading to help with assessment and instruction. However, at some point, I believe that grades should be terminated and assessment should strictly be pass / fail. I mean….why not? If a high school student can’t do simple math, then what’s the point of giving a grade? There’s still something they haven’t learned yet.

I love your last paragraph. I suppose the way the EMDT program is designed within an LMO is what makes it, in my honest opinion, a great program. The expectations are clearly defined and the rewards and consequences are spelled out as well.  But you caught me off guard when you said, “the biggest difference is going to be that we have not created these goals ourselves.” Would it be more effective if our students outlined their goals instead of us? Something to think about.