Colorado Quality Standard 6: GPA Calculation as Motivation
I ask students to complete a grade point average calculation form in order to fully understand their GPA and academic standing. This exercise also includes open-ended questions that promote thought into what types of scholarships students may receive based on the GPA, why universities offer scholarships to students with high GPAs, what types of scholarships they could receive with their GPA, and what students need to do to better their GPA. The students I work with often do not have a full understanding of the academic system in the United States or the scholarships that are available. When students have this information earlier, it encourages achievement and drives success.
Grade point average calculations, along with their significance in scholarship attainment, help students understand their current academic levels and set goals for future academic achievement. When students understand that they could go to college for free if they work hard in high school, they are more inclined to achieve academically and take full advantage of their current classes (Element A). This type of knowledge and educational literacy also helps prepare students for postsecondary life by researching careers and planning for the future (Element B). Placing importance and significance upon student grades and achievement motivates student success and helps better equip students with multiple options for life after high school.
I have found that student understanding of the significance of their GPA has increased motivation and thus student success. Through this exercise, students are asked to find scholarships that they would qualify for; when students can put a monetary value on their grades, it seems they better understand what the end goal really is. When I speak to students about their future job prospects and real-life issues, they seem to better understand the GPA and significance of a university degree. Furthermore, a student is able o reflect upon his or her family’s current educational background and what type of training and education could improve economic situations.
Grade point average calculations, along with their significance in scholarship attainment, help students understand their current academic levels and set goals for future academic achievement. When students understand that they could go to college for free if they work hard in high school, they are more inclined to achieve academically and take full advantage of their current classes (Element A). This type of knowledge and educational literacy also helps prepare students for postsecondary life by researching careers and planning for the future (Element B). Placing importance and significance upon student grades and achievement motivates student success and helps better equip students with multiple options for life after high school.
I have found that student understanding of the significance of their GPA has increased motivation and thus student success. Through this exercise, students are asked to find scholarships that they would qualify for; when students can put a monetary value on their grades, it seems they better understand what the end goal really is. When I speak to students about their future job prospects and real-life issues, they seem to better understand the GPA and significance of a university degree. Furthermore, a student is able o reflect upon his or her family’s current educational background and what type of training and education could improve economic situations.