Unconditional fail

April 12, 2018

Much of the problem in “As the lowest rise, so too do fears of grade inflation” (News, 5 April) is not because of grade inflation but the issue of the “unconditional for all” approach seen in much of higher education now. I have several students who did very poorly in their A levels, not because of lack of ability but because of lack of motivation once offered an unconditional, free pass into higher education.

In addition, there is the increasingly concerning issue of massively inflated predicted A-level grades, which must be cracked down on. Seeing students who got DDE at AS level and then predicted grades of AAB at A level means that these results are clearly false, and this practice should be illegal.

Mass unconditional offers benefit no one, and hurt the students more than anyone.

PR87
Via timeshighereducation.com


The lack of basic skills, intelligence and attitudinal competencies I witness as rife among students on a daily basis is heartbreaking. I’m amazed that many of them make it to university in the first place. The fact that increasing swathes are increasingly successful in their transition through university devalues degrees and university “education” immeasurably. It also exposes current recruitment and assessment practices across the sector as a shambles.

ABC
Via timeshighereducation.com

Send to

Letters should be sent to: THE.Letters@timeshighereducation.com
Letters for publication in Times Higher Education should arrive by 9am Monday.
View terms and conditions.

Register to continue

Why register?

  • Registration is free and only takes a moment
  • Once registered, you can read 3 articles a month
  • Sign up for our newsletter
Register
Please Login or Register to read this article.

Sponsored