Excellent dismissal by Alfie Kohn of the massive systematic idiocy of grading and testing. Some great arguments made, but I think the main one is summarized most succinctly thus:
“Extrinsic inducements, of which G&T is the classic example in a school setting, are devices whereby those with more power induce those with less to do something. G&T isn’t needed for assessment, but it is very nearly indispensable for compelling students to do what they (understandably) may have very little interest in doing. “
We have to work out better ways of teaching than this. It is not right for an educational institution to continue do something so antagonistic to learning.
Address of the bookmark: http://www.alfiekohn.org/teaching/gradesandtests.htm
