I've seen here and there discussion of grade inflation at graduate schools. I don't know much about this -- neither why or how much. However, this semester one of my favorite professors sponsored an independent study course where it was really me taking a non-distance learning, graduate level special topics class. Since the course used Blackboard, it amounted to me just taking the class but having to make up for not getting the in-class lecture through independent study. Okay, okay, enough background. Let me cut to the chase. Out of 200 possible points in the class (several homework problems and a final project) I received a 200! The class average was 199.5! Would you guys think this class is easier because it is a "special topics" course, or should I expect graduate courses to be uniformly graded easier than undergrad courses? (Notice I didn't say the course was easier, just graded easier. Hmmmm, is there a difference?)
Most graduate programs are graded easier. The "average" grade is assumed to be a B, rather than a C. I guess they feel you were tortured enough as an undergrad, and you won the lottery to go on to grad school. This is assuming, of course, that your undergrad work wasn't done at one of the notorious inflation factories: ivy league, Stanford, etc.
I don't think there's been much inflation in J.D. programs. The "passing" grade is "C" and I'd guess that about 2/3 of all J.D.s graduate with an overall GPA between 2.0 and 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. (por ejemplo: I graduated with a GPA of 3.04. I was 33rd out of 104, JUST inside the top third. NOT brilliant!) To get into an LL.M. program, you usually have to show 3.0 or better. A very tiny group graduates with honors. It's a real shock in the first year to discover that, while you were in the top 10% in college, in law school EVERYONE was in the top 10% in college making YOU "average"!
When I imagine what graduate school will be like I have always had this image of extremely demanding professors who were looking to push students to the extreme end of excellence. Either that or a student dropped out not having the required constitution. To be honest, my incorrect perception was based on my experience with the television program, "The Paper Chase". You know, the program were Professor Kingsley was that old SOB that everyone hated and loved at the same time. I always thought that I could do well in that sort of environment. I suppose based on nosborne's posts that law schools may be like this. However, it seems that other areas may not be so demanding.
Graduate-level professional programs (law school, medical school, seminary) are generally graded differently than graduate programs. If you made the cut to get into a competitve graduate program, its very likely that you will have A or B level mastery of the material you are given. -Joshua
My general experience has been that the grading in graduate programs is easier then undergrad but the scope and depth is much greater. By this I mean that a full year undergraduate course topic will often be covered in 1 semester of grad work, and in greater depth. In addition the assingments often require much greater detail than an undergrad class on a similar topic.
The Paper Chase Ah, Professor Charles W. Kingsfield Jr. played by the great actor, John Houseman. If I remember his opening line, "You will teach yourselves the law, but I will train your minds." or something very close. Great actor and "Paper Chase" was one of the better series on TV.
I have been teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses for many years. My graduate classes tend to be hands-on project-based courses in instructional technology. My students typically must have above a "B" average to get into grad school. My course objectives made very plain to my students (none of this "teach them 'A' but test them 'B' " crud). I use criterion-based assessment (bell curves are useless to me), so it is conceivable that all my students can get "A's" if they try hard enough. Tony Piña Faculty, CSU San Bernardino
One effect of Tony Pina's approach is to encourage cooperation and collegiality among students. I became INSTANTLY suspicious!
As rightly you should! Most of my students at Cal State tend to be practicing or potential teachers. Whenever someone has a problem, I can always count on someone to engage instantly in "peer tutoring" before I can get there. It sure makes my job much easier. Tony
