Browsing by Subject "numeroarviointi"

Using grades as a student evaluation method is an established routine, but at the same it’s not questioned often. Taking into account the long time period that we have already been familiarized with the negative effects of grades, this is very interesting. Researching the effects of grades on student motivation is on the focus of this thesis. In addition to motivation, also other effects on student are discussed, as well as the rationality of using grades as an evaluation method. Descriptive literature review was chosen as the research method in this thesis. The research material was searched from web databases and Helsinki University Library. The material was described by presenting the three main studies of this thesis. The results indicated that using grades as an evaluation method lowers student’s motivation and interest towards learning. According to results, that’s not the only way grades affect students since grades also have a negative effect on student’s self-esteem, performance, behavior and attitudes. Grades also increase the likelihood of student focusing mainly on getting good grades which takes the energy and interest out of learning and developing skills and knowledge. According to the results in this thesis, it is justifiable to question the rationality of using grades as an evaluation method.