Grading on a curve?

The practice of grading student's progress on a curve is derived from the concept of statistical distributions of scores (bell curve). This common practice in education is a method of assigning grades designed to yield a desired distribution (K12 Academics, 2012). There are pros and cons among educators and students. Some educators consider the curve grading system a way to motivate “lagging students” (Richert, 2012), while some teachers use this method to divide students into three categories, above average, average, and below average. The frequency distribution of the number of students in these categories can be determined learning improvement and advancement. Based on a conversation with a teacher who is in favor of curve grading, the bell curve grading in fact assist him how to write recommendation letters. In general, hard-working students would not welcome bell curve grading and consider it as an unfair method or even a "punishment for overachievers." According to Miller (2009), the main problem with this style, is grading students who are between two grades.

Here are some of the examples that I think bell curve grading does not reflect students’ performance in the class.

Scenario 1: A legal studies instructor addressed his class that he uses the bell curve grading system. The top 40% of the class received an A, 50% would have a B, and the remaining 10% would get a C. At the end of the semester, Lisa had a final average of 94.5%. She had no doubt that she would get an A. However, when the grades were posted, Lisa was shocked to discover that she had received a B. She inquired about her grade, and learned that the cut off score was 97%. This revealed that 40% of her classmates scored 97% or above for their overall assignment, which places Lisa's, score of 94.5% in the 50% (B) group.

Scenario 2: In an Algebra class, 80% of the students scored 50% an exam. The highest score was 60%. With the bell curve grading system, the instructor would inevitably give the students an A even though they only scored 60%.