LittleFlowerly's Book Journey
First, I must say: I am emotionally biased when it comes to the topic of school and grades. Grades have long shaped my life and my identity, and they still influence my behavior and thought patterns today—even though I am gradually managing to break free from them.
This book introduces the topic of school without grades. The authors explain the shortcomings and negative effects of grades—which have been known to science for over 50 years—debunk common myths surrounding grades, outline a vision for a future of education without grades, and suggest first steps that can be taken today to shift the focus from grades to learning. Overall, the authors provide a brief introduction to the topic, basing their arguments on scientific findings without getting too complicated themselves. Since this book serves more as an introduction, it remains rather superficial in many places, but it also offers further reading recommendations.
For me, it was wonderful to see what learning without grades could look like. To see how people are already advocating for this today and to gain inspiration for what can be done right now to shift the focus in schools more toward learning. For me, this also included shedding a tear or two. This book has given me hope that change is possible—and perhaps a little courage that, as a (future) teacher, I can make a difference.
First, I must say: I am emotionally biased when it comes to the topic of school and grades. Grades have long shaped my life and my identity, and they still influence my behavior and thought patterns today—even though I am gradually managing to break free from them.
This book introduces the topic of school without grades. The authors explain the shortcomings and negative effects of grades—which have been known to science for over 50 years—debunk common myths surrounding grades, outline a vision for a future of education without grades, and suggest first steps that can be taken today to shift the focus from grades to learning. Overall, the authors provide a brief introduction to the topic, basing their arguments on scientific findings without getting too complicated themselves. Since this book serves more as an introduction, it remains rather superficial in many places, but it also offers further reading recommendations.
For me, it was wonderful to see what learning without grades could look like. To see how people are already advocating for this today and to gain inspiration for what can be done right now to shift the focus in schools more toward learning. For me, this also included shedding a tear or two. This book has given me hope that change is possible—and perhaps a little courage that, as a (future) teacher, I can make a difference.
LittleFlowerly commented...
21w
Yeah, availability is a difficult thing here 🙈 It's kinda a niche topic. I'm just lucky my university library has a few of these books. And yeah, at some point something will turn up for sure! :D
First, I must say: I am emotionally biased when it comes to the topic of school and grades. Grades have long shaped my life and my identity, and they still influence my behavior and thought patterns today—even though I am gradually managing to break free from them.
This book introduces the topic of school without grades. The authors explain the shortcomings and negative effects of grades—which have been known to science for over 50 years—debunk common myths surrounding grades, outline a vision for a future of education without grades, and suggest first steps that can be taken today to shift the focus from grades to learning. Overall, the authors provide a brief introduction to the topic, basing their arguments on scientific findings without getting too complicated themselves. Since this book serves more as an introduction, it remains rather superficial in many places, but it also offers further reading recommendations.
For me, it was wonderful to see what learning without grades could look like. To see how people are already advocating for this today and to gain inspiration for what can be done right now to shift the focus in schools more toward learning. For me, this also included shedding a tear or two. This book has given me hope that change is possible—and perhaps a little courage that, as a (future) teacher, I can make a difference.
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LittleFlowerly commented...
22w
Yeah, having no grades would have big implications for the whole education system, including higher education (I don't think, we need grades there as well). I don't think the book is available in English (maybe I should make that clear when I read a book in German). The two authors were inspired, among other things, by Susan D. Blum's book "Ungrading: Why Rating Students Undermines Learning (and What to Do Instead)". I haven't read it myself, but it seems to be a collection of experiences related to the topic. My first encounter with the topic was the video essay “Grading is a Scam (and Motivation is a Myth)” by Zoe Bee, which can be watched on YouTube. Maybe you’ll find it interesting too :)