Some students make school easy, others literally torture themselves through the years. In the end, however, every one finds its way, regardless of the performance in class 5, 6, 7 or 8. Are certificates long overtaken?
Certificates are a huge topic for many students and their parents because they are a symbol for success or failure and even a yardstick for diligence and intelligence. But what is really behind the numbers and notes? Can you even reflect a child's actual skills?
In recent years, criticism of the common school evaluation system of school grades has been heard more and more. So today there are schools that are in oneTest phase entirely on gradeswaive. There are ideas that pronounce written evaluations instead of relying on figures and many other approaches that want to put the classic graduation system into perspective.
Because the general consensus is, the grades used so far from 1 to 6 are outdated and can harm children more than benefit. Especially in the lower classes in which school grades generate only pressure, but play absolutely no role in later life. Who finally takes care of what grades the baker's master or medical student had in the half year of class 7 or 8?
We want to discuss why we should critically question the importance of school certificates today and when a certificate really matters.
Notes say nothing about the true potential
Regardless of whether it is a "very good" or a "sufficient" note, the certificate never reflects the entire personality or the full potential of a child. In a system that is mainly based on standardized tests and purely academic performance, many facets of a person remain undetected. Creativity, emotional intelligence, teamwork and other non-measurable properties that often make the difference later in life are hardly taken into account.
In addition, a grade often refers to a few sections of a subject and to a few tests that are written. A student who proves to be excellent in a conversation or in a practical task may not be adequately recognized by this note.
The education system is no longer the only way to success
Today, more and more people are working on independence, creative professional fields or have founded their own company. And presumably these people did not help their certificates to professional success, but their will. While notes and formal degrees still play a role in some industries, more and more companies and institutions recognize that practical experience, initiative and soft skills are at least as important.
In the meantime, there are also more and more educational institutions and companies that rely on alternative application processes that are less based on school grades and instead value practical skills, motivation and creativity.
Why the grade counts so little compared to other factors
Each certificate has a different weight, and the evaluation varies depending on the school and teacher. The standard of a test can be influenced by many factors - from the daily form of the pupil to the accuracy of the teacher when evaluating to the difficulty of the test. This means that two students who actually have the same knowledge can preserve different grades.
In addition, studies have already been able to prove that teachers, even if they shouldn't be, are partly biased in terms of the achievements of schoolchildren.
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In recent years there have been voices of educators and educational experts who demand an individualized assessment. A certificate should not only consist of a numerical note, but should also take more attention to the different strengths and development potential of a student.
Some schools and teachers are already implementing this by a, which specifically deals with the learning process and the development of a child. But the norm is not.
Notes and their effects on the psyche of children and adolescents
School grades can be enormous psychological stress for students. And already in the lower grades. If the grades are directly connected to the future and professional orientation, the pressure increases again. For children who are naturally less good in certain areas, this can lead to frustration and self -doubt. They tend to consider themselves as a failure just because they have cut off in a certain subject of poorer.
The pursuit of ever better grades can also lead to students lose sight of their own interests and passions. They no longer wonder what interests them and inspires them, but what brings the best success in the form of grades. This can later lead to dissatisfaction and discomfort in professional life if the actual purpose of life is no longer in harmony with your own values.
School grades are not the measure of all things
In many ways, school certificates are an inadequate bar for the value of a person. They give a very limited overview of what a student can really do and which talent he or she carries. Reality shows that success in life depends on a variety of other factors: on your own initiative, creativity and also social competence.
It is important that we, as a society, start to think of grades and not only evaluate children and adolescents on the basis of numbers. They deserve that their personalities and potential are recognized and encouraged.
And dear parents, again: the most important thing is that a certificate must never determine the self -esteem of a child. Talk to your children, listen and support them on their way, regardless of their grades. Because in the end it is not the grades that count, but what they do with their talents in life.
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