So we’ve been having a ‘debate’ about grade inflation. Much of it has been focussed on the supply-side of the education system, and on one component of demand—from employers. But what of the students?
In particular, let’s think of the individual, good student—of which, at the risk of serious understatement, there are many. What advice would anyone have for a member of this silent minority?
So let’s say you’re a good student: hard-working, engaged, willing to learn, motivated. It might matter to you that grade inflation exists or not, but irrespective, it matters that the perception
of it exists, justified or not, and it matters to you that this might taint your hard-won grades, and so perhaps first job prospects, next postgrad steps, or maybe it just offends your sense of justice.
What should you do, in your study life, and/or beyond?
It’d be interesting to hear from students, teachers/academics and employers and I’m sure others, besides.
This is an interesting blog you have her but I can’t seem to find the RSS subscribe button.
Hello Jae,
Thanks…I’ll need to make the RSS thing more accessible: the button is the image at the top right of the page, which should bring you to
http://www.aidankane.net/feed/
Aidan
Hey Aidan,
I’m glad to see this getting exercised – because I think that the media have got the wrong handle on Google’s comments (or perhaps I have got the wrong handle on the initial statement). As a recent graduate from NUIG (4 years) and more recently an entrepreneur/employer (2 years) in the software/IT sector I’ve seen first hand the argument that Google put forward.
I have no doubt that graduates deserve the grades they are achieving – walk around the library or the reading rooms and you will see the level of commitment students are giving to their education. Not to mention the fact they have just completed a marathon that we call the Leaving Cert immediately before their 3rd level days.
Graduates need to be less book smart and more trigger happy. They need to think on their feet, solve problems and be willing to take risks to overcome obstacles. I think the current format has lead to a highly educated spoon fed type of student that has a huge mental capacity but an in-ability to apply this in a physical way.
Exam papers are highly predictable, tutorials are available in abundance and course projects are so pre-defined that there is little scope for self exploration.
I think each student should be required to conceptualise their own final year project (where one is required) and be graded based on innovation and execution. Good students will swim, poor students will sink (and let them sink!).
I conceived my own FYP and I now employee 4 people and find myself innovating on a daily basis to survive. There is a correlation.
In my opinion the “good student” should demonstrate examples of independent thought, motivation and innovation. Show that they are a “do-er” and not a “talk-er.” And maybe throw a curve ball at a potential employer – who said a CV had to on paper/PDF?!
Keep up the good work!
Paul