Knowledge
Shifting the Focus: Prioritizing Progress and Potential Over Grades
Shifting to this approach has myriad benefits, as gains over grades can help students develop a growth mindset
The purpose of education is to empower you with knowledge, not to weigh you down with grades.
Students flip to the very last page of their assignments to see the grade rather than the comments. Parents keep a track of their wards’ marks rather than their growth. Colleges and Universities focus on test scores and grades only. Do any of these situations sound familiar? This is just a glimpse of our redundant education system, which claims to be student-centric without focusing on the holistic development of the students.
Every grade counts toward the student’s overall GPA; GPAs matter for internships, college admissions, and job applications. In fact, some employers don’t even consider applicants with lower than a certain GPA, and some colleges automatically admit students in the top 10% of their high school class, a status usually determined by GPA.
In today’s fast-paced and competitive world with cut-throat competition, there is a dire need to change the perspective, alter the parameters, and have a progressive approach. an emphasis on achieving good grades in academics. In an education system where students are expected to perform well in exams and tests, and success is defined by good grades, there is a dire need to introspect and overhaul. Limiting the horizon of students to grades is just like clipping the wings of birds that have the potential to claim the sky. Academically, studying for marks is important, but the pursuit of grades can sometimes overshadow the pursuit of actual knowledge and personal growth and can lead to a “grade-obsessed” mentality, where the end goal is simply to fill the vessel with marks or grades. This can further lead to unhealthy stress and pressure on students and may even discourage some from pursuing their passions or exploring new interests.
Pedagogy is changing by leaps and bounds every year, and to stay abreast of the changing world, we need to adapt. In keeping with this ideology, our education system is slowly and gradually being altered to meet the demands of the new generation. The progressive approach and perspective have given a new dimension to the education system. The shift in paradigm has led to a shift in the parameters. With a focus on gains over grades, priorities have changed. The education system now acknowledges the fact that knowledge and skills should be the primary goal of education. While good grades are a desirable outcome, they are not always an accurate reflection of a student’s learning or potential. Memorizing information and regurgitating it on an exam might result in a high grade, but it does not necessarily mean that the student has truly understood the material or can apply it in real-life situations. Instead, by focusing on gains, students can prioritize gaining knowledge, skills, and experience that will benefit them in the long run.
Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, famously said: “I don’t care about grades. I’ve even made jokes about it. But I do care about innovation.” Musk dropped out of his Ph.D. program at Stanford University, but he continued to pursue his interests and gain knowledge and experience in the fields of engineering and entrepreneurship. His focus on gains over grades has led him to become one of the most successful and innovative business leaders of our time.
Shifting to this approach has myriad benefits, as gains over grades can help students develop a growth mindset. Carol Dweck, a Stanford psychologist, has found that individuals who believe their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work are more likely to achieve success than those who believe their abilities are fixed. By focusing on gains, students can adopt a growth mindset and view challenges as opportunities for learning and growth, rather than obstacles to overcome. This can lead to greater resilience and perseverance in the face of setbacks and failures.
Anecdotal evidence of this comes from Michael Jordan, who was famously cut from his high school basketball team. Jordan has said: “I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions, I have been entrusted to take the game-winning shot…and missed. I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” Jordan’s focus on gains rather than grades or success in the short term allowed him to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Finally, focusing on gains over grades can lead to a more fulfilling and well-rounded life. Education is not just about achieving good grades and getting a high-paying job; it is also about personal growth, development, and fulfillment. By pursuing knowledge, skills, and experiences that are meaningful and interesting to them, students can develop a passion for learning and a sense of purpose that will benefit them throughout their lives.
An example of this is J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series. She said: “I do not believe in the wisdom of children, nor in the wisdom of the old. There is a moment, a cusp when the details of living wear down the sum of gathered experience. We are never so wise as when we live in this moment.” Rowling’s focus on gains over grades allowed her to pursue her passion for writing and storytelling, leading to one of the most beloved and successful book series of all time.
In conclusion, while good grades are important, they should not be the sole focus of education. By prioritizing gains over grades, students can focus on gaining knowledge, skills, and experiences that will benefit them in the long run, develop a growth mindset, and lead to a more fulfilling and well-rounded life. The new approach of prioritizing gains over grades will surely lead to the holistic development of students and the creation of sensible and responsible citizens.
Let us learn our lessons to grow and gain,
Grades don’t define our hard work and pain.
Skills and knowledge are our friends for life,
They are our armor through stress and strife.
Follow your passion, chase your dreams,
Success will follow like sunbeams.
Wisdom brings glory, experience gives you wings,
Soar high amidst clouds, sans stress and strings.
Author – Surbhi Oberoi, Bal Bharati Public School, Pitampura, Delhi