Quotations, which “always” include a part of arbitrariness, are detrimental to learning, denounces a group of experts.
School as we know it today seems inseparable from grades and report cards. Giving good marks to good students and bad marks to dunces is one of the oldest habits of our school system and probably also one of the most tenacious. However, more and more education experts are questioning this system which they consider at best inefficient, at worst harmful for children.
In a book devoted to evaluation, the Belgian group for new education (GBEN) paints a vitriolic portrait of this educational practice. “Grading contributes to school segregation, feeds sorting and social exclusion. Grading undermines the work of education and training and weighs on students who find themselves in competition. For many children and adolescents, grades insecure and reduce socio-professional and social integration projects, damage self-image, while everyone’s need is, on the contrary, to be recognized, encouraged and supported”they say.
