What is a Grade Curve?
A grade curve is a statistical device used to adjust scores of students in a class. It is usually put in place when the overall scores of the class are lower than the expected average. Sometimes, this is due to a difficult exam or an exceptionally high level of knowledge.
The curve shifts student scores up, so that the average score is a passing grade. This helps students who may have struggled with the material on the exam, resulting in a more fair and accurate class grade. The purpose of a grade curve is not to lower or raise the grades of the students, but to ensure that the average score of the class is at a reasonable level.
How to Create a Grade Curve?
Creating a grade curve may sound difficult, but it is not. Some people may think it is not appropriate to use a grade curve, but in certain cases, it is essential to ensure fairness and accuracy in grades. Let’s look at some of the steps to create a grade curve.
Step 1: Determine the Average Score of the Class
The first step in creating a grade curve is to determine the average score of the class. You can do this by adding up all the scores of the students and dividing by the total number of students. This will give you the average score of the class.
Step 2: Check the Standard Deviation
The next step is to check the standard deviation of the class. The standard deviation tells you how far the scores are spread from the average. If the standard deviation is high, then you should consider using a grade curve. This is because high standard deviation results in a large variation in scores and makes it difficult to assess students’ performance.
Step 3: Determine the Percentage for the Curve
The percentage for the curve is the amount by which you want to adjust the scores. This percentage will vary depending on the class, instructor, and other factors. A common percentage for the curve is 10%, but it can be higher or lower depending on the situation.
Step 4: Adjust the Scores
The next step is to adjust the scores of the students according to the percentage for the curve. To do this, add the percentage to each student’s score. For example, if the percentage is 10% and a student scored 80, then adding 10% would result in a score of 88. This is the new adjusted score for the student.
Step 5: Re-calculate the Average Score of the Class
After adjusting the scores, re-calculate the average score of the class. This will give you an accurate representation of the class performance.
Conclusion
Creating a grade curve may be necessary in certain cases to ensure fairness and accuracy in grades. It helps to adjust the scores of the students according to their performance in the class. The steps to create a grade curve are simple and easy to follow. Remember to use a grade curve only if it is necessary and ensure that it is fair to all students in the class.