Objectives:

The learners should be able to do the following after the lesson:

➢ Know what a norm-referenced grading system and criterion-referenced grading
system is.
➢ Know what is the difference between norm-referenced grading system and
criterion-referenced grading system.
➢ Be aware of the advantages and disadvantages that each grading system carries.
➢ Know the considerations upon using one of the said grading systems.
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What are “Norm-Referenced Grading Systems"?
➢ In a norm-referenced grading system, a student's grade is assigned in proportion to
the performance of a group.
➢ Norm-referenced grading schemes rely on a predetermined formula for calculating
the proportion of pupils in a class who will receive each grade or mark.
➢ While the students may work independently under norm-referenced grading, they are
essentially competing to meet a performance criteria that will place them in the
targeted grade range.
➢ In simplest terms, it encourages rivalries among students or learners in the same
class.
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What are the advantages of “Norm-Referenced Grading Systems”?
➢ Norm-referenced systems are very easy to use.
➢ They perform effectively when rigorous student differentiation is required, such as
when program size constraints can restrict the number of students graduating to
higher level courses.
➢ The majority of the time, they are appropriate in huge courses that don't have
cooperation among learners, but typically place an emphasis on individual success.
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What are the disadvantages of “Norm-Referenced Grading Systems”?
➢ A student's grade is dictated not only by their own accomplishments but also by
those of others.
➢ Norm-referenced grading encourages rivalry rather than teamwork. Students are less
likely to be supportive of one another when they are competing against one another.
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What are the things you should consider when using “Norm-Referenced Grading
Systems”?
➢ What is the anticipated class size? If it is less than 40, avoid using a norm-referenced
system unless anchoring is used to change the system.
➢ Is it crucial for students to collaborate in this class? If the response is that a
norm-referenced system is unfit, that much is true.
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What are Criterion-Referenced Grading Systems?
➢ In criterion-referenced systems, students are evaluated against an absolute scale.
➢ Regardless of how well the other students in the class perform, there is a fixed goal
that the students must reach in order to pass the course. No matter how good or bad
the pupils are, the scale remains the same.
What are the advantages of “Criterion-Referenced Grading Systems”?
➢ Due to the lack of competition among students, they are more likely to participate
actively and educate one another. The standard of the assignment has no bearing on
a student's grade class
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What are the disadvantages of “Criterion-Referenced Grading Systems”?
➢ Without a sufficient amount of data, it is challenging to establish fair standards for the
pupils that have been taught before. Most seasoned professors establish these
standards based on their understanding of how kids typically perform.