No Grades in America

I have been thinking a lot about our discussion on why teachers assign writing assignments. People seem to think that writing is important for when we enter the real world--even though many of us will never write an analytical paper on a novel or journal article after college. (Or atleast I hope so?!). I understand that we may have to express ourselves or our ideas through writing. Maybe grammar on a resume or cover letter is pretty important, but what about after you land the job. If people are able to express themselves vocally why can't they just write as they would speak? I think it may be that our society has grown to be competitive perfectionists. Good writing is just another tool to help you land the job. If you can speak 3 languages and write professionally rather than colloquially you are going to get the job before someone who has fair writing skills and can only speak English. Yes-- this is also why UR requires its students to complete such an extensive language requirement.

So I realize that people able to string your thoughts together and write well is a skill that will set you apart from people who are also seeking jobs in the workforce, but why are they graded? What is the deal with grades? Shouldn't we have grades based on effort. Some people just aren't going to do things as well as others. Why comare them? Even if you have a final grade in a class shouldn't it be based on improvement thoughout the course? Especially with writing! All teachers want something different. Students are so focused on writing what their teacher will approve of rather than experimenting with their writing style. Few students are willing to go out on a limb and try something new or try to make a far-fetched connection. They are focused solely on earning an A and pleasing the professor. I think that teachers are afraid to instruct a class where grades weren't given. They fear that students won't take the class seriously or give their best effort. I disagree. I think that students would be excited to be able to try new things and write for themselves, not their teacher. I have no doubt that there would be positive feedback.

Let's be real though-- this is America. We are bred to be competitive and strive to the top.It would take a great movement for the American education system to become gradeless.