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by kh14n07 on January 25th, 2005

kh14n07

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Why do hard-working students sometimes get lower grades than students who put in less effort?

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  • by Relsqui on June 8th, 2005

    Relsqui

    Studying and grades do not and should not have a perfect correlation. Some students start out more familiar with the subject than others; some are just fast learners. On the other hand, other students might not learn the way the class is being taught (memorizing notes or absorbing concepts from lecture, for example), and would find themselves putting in more time at home to make up for it.

    It's not that smart kids "get it" and dumb kids don't, or even that they can be divided up like that. There's a continuum, ranging from the guy who could pass all his tests blindfolded to the one who only stops studying to sleep and still does poorly. Neither of those exists; we're all somewhere in between.

    Either way has its advantages and disadvantages. Someone who coasts through most of his classes will never learn self-discipline or good study habits; that will bite him in the ass when he starts trying to learn things he doesn't already know. (It won't help him much at work, either.) Someone who knows how to study and find information will have those skills for life--but then, that won't help him recall something on the spot.

    So, to actually answer the question: Some classes use the skills of students who don't need to study, and they end up not having to work for a good grade. But if you're feeling slighted, fear not; you may well be better off in the long run.


    P.S. It's worth noting that favoritism can come into play, but it's not always avoidable. Sure, there's the worst case where a teacher picks someone he likes and gives that person good grades no matter what; but it's far more common for a teacher to afford a little more slack to someone he knows is trying. Experience has shown him that kids who slouch in the back of the class aren't as interested as the ones that look sharp and ready, and he'll open his gradebook with that in his subconscious. Knowing how to present yourself well and make a good impression is a valuable life skill too. Is it fair? Nope. But that's how it is.

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