Grades can be determined either through norm-referenced or criterion-referenced systems. In a norm-referenced system, a student's grade depends on how their performance compares to others in their group. This makes grades relative and can shift scores up or down based on the overall group's ability. A criterion-referenced system bases grades on how a student's performance matches specified standards, making grades absolute rather than dependent on peers. However, criterion-referenced systems are difficult to implement as standards must be clearly defined and grades do not factor in a group's performance. Both systems have advantages and disadvantages for assessing student learning.
3. Grades may reflect relative performance
score compared to other students
(where you rank).
In such a system:
› A. Grade depends on what group you are
in.
› B. Typical grade may be shifted up or
down, depending on group’s ability.
› C. Widely used because much classroom
testing is norm reference.
4. They easy for instructors to use
They work well in situations requiring rigid
differentiation among students
They are generally appropriate in large
courses
5.
An individual's grade is determined not
only by his/her achievements, but also
by the achievements of others.
6. › 15% of the students will receive a mark of
excellence, which in class of 100 enrolled
students will be 15 persons:
1.0 (Excellent)
1.50 (Good)
2.0 (Average)
3.0 ( Poor, pass)
5.0 (Failure)
= Top 15 % of the class
= Next 15 % of the class
= Next 45 % of the class
= Next 15 % of the class
= Bottom 10 % of class
8. Grades may also reflect absolute performance score
compared to specified performance standards (what you
can do).
In such a system:
› A. Grades does not depend on what group you are
in, but only on your own performance standards.
› B. Grading is a complex task, because grades must:
› i. clearly defined the domain
› ii. clearly defined and justify the performance standards.
› iii. Be based on criterion referenced assessment.
› C. conditions are hard to meet, except in complete
mystery.
›
9. Advantages:
Students are not competing with each
other
Students are thus more likely to actively
help each other learn.
A student's grade is not influenced by
the caliber of the class.
10. It is difficult to set a reasonable standard
for students
Most experienced faculty set criteria
based on their knowledge of how
students usually perform
Criterion-referenced systems often
become fairly similar to norm-referenced
systems.
11. In class of 100 students, no one might get a
grade of excellent if no one scores 98 above
or 85 above depending on the criterion used.
› 1.0 (Excellent)
› 1.5 (God)
› 2.0 (Fair)
› 3.0 (Poor/Pass)
› 5.0 (Failure)
= 98-100
= 88-97
= 75-87
= 65-74
= below65
or 85-100
or 80-84
or 70-79
or 60-69
or below60
13. › A. Grades are inconsistent with a standard-
based system because now, each child is
his/her own standard.
› B. Reliably estimating learning ability
(separate from achievement) is very difficult.
› C. One cannot reliably measure change
with classroom measures.
› D. Therefore, should only be used as a
supplement.