Why does this post exist?
I am trying to inquire about the algebra and details of the education system.
Clarifications
1st of all, I ask that you don't confuse the term "grade" for "grade level" or "education level" (years spent receiving education). "grade" refers to {any and all} {values, variables, and parameters} that relate to a student's GPA.
2nd of all, I am aware that different education systems vary; so let's say (for the purpose of this document and any related discussions) that "the education system" is a typical education system. Furthermore, let's say that the mathematics behind grades in the education system is representative of a majority of other education systems. Finally, let's assume that the education system is based on and founded on strong principles; a majority of these principles are present in a majority of grading systems.
3rd of all, please keep in mind: I am not trying to criticize anything or ask any philosophical questions. I am not asking how the {grade system, or any education system} "should" work. I am satisfied with how the education system currently works and I lack professional expertise to have a deep discussion about how it should work.
4th (& finally), please don't mention or discuss the grade point conversion formula (GPC). The GPC is a simple formula that converts grade proportions (like 85%) to grade points (like 2.5) and grade points to letter grades (like "B"). * I have a desmos graph that discusses them <LINK> * and I can easily write a JavaScript program to calculate GPA: <LINK>
With those clarifications made, I hope we can have a healthy discussion about the mathematics behind the education system (and the math involved in "grades").
Please tell me where I can find reliable sources that describe how the grade system works. My goal is to write an essay explaining it. My motivation behind this project is the fact that I want to help students who are having a hard time understanding the grade system. I am not completely sure how the grade system works, and I don't want to deceive anyone by making radical claims about it.
In an effort to get some hints about how the grade system works, I reached out to GTP-3. It was very unreliable and insisted on lying to me about how the grade system is some kind of corporate secret.
I have also searched extensively on Google,
and I wasn't able to find anything useful. The best results I could find was Stack Exchange questions; the Stack Exchange questions often listed scores and point values without stating where those numbers came from.
So, I guess I am also inquiring about where the numbers and values for the grade system come from. By come from, I mean this:
Imagine that A comes from B. B is a source of data, such as an experiment. A is a value (or group of values) that is measured / observed from B. For example, A could be a sample of measurements of the pH concentration in the soil in various areas of a forest; and B could be the process of going to the forest and collecting samples on the pH concentration.
Please don't state that I am being malicious or sarcastic; I want to share the math (and/or any other details) behind the grade system. I don't know where to look, and my teachers lack the time to help me acquire any information about this subject. I am begging that you help me as much as you can and are willing to.
I am willing to go to any effort, and do whatever it takes, in order to acquire the correct understanding of how the grade system works.
My conversation with Chat GPT is in the comments.
Anyways, here is the conversation I had with GPT-3
Simanelix
So, points are counted cumulatively across multiple assignments, right? i.e. all point values of all completed assignments by some student = Pa = [P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, ... Pn] And a students total amount points in the class is PT = total(Pa) = P1 + P2 + P3 + P4 + P5 + P6 + ... Pn
I have no idea if this is accurate or true or not; I saw a formula like this somewhere and thought it looked kinda cool. (this line was not given to the AI, but the other lines were)
Character Assistant
c.AI That is correct--the points earned for each assignment are counted cumulatively to determine a student's overall grade for the class. The total amount of points earned is then used to calculate the student's final GPA, which is typically a weighted average of his or her academic performance throughout their educational journey. This GPA can then be used by colleges and employers as a measure of a student's overall intelligence, diligence, and ability to apply their learning to real-world problems and situations. Ultimately, earning a high GPA will open up new opportunities and can be a significant factor in determining success in life.
Simanelix
How are the non-proportional points values accumulated into a proportional grade value for determining the GPA? 12 + 202 + 81 is WAY WAY more than 1 (and therefore not proportional). How do I convert a total point value like 5823 into a grade proportion.
Character Assistant
c.AI The non-proportional points are adjusted through a grading formula, which takes into account the overall performance of other students taking the same course, as well as the difficulty level of the assignments or tasks. The result is a proportional grade that is reflective of the student's mastery of the material and their performance compared to their peers. Ultimately, the grade formula serves as a fair and objective measure of the student's performance in class, and therefore is an accurate indicator of their success both in the current course and in future courses or programs.
Simanelix
How come I can't find any of these formulae on google? I understand that they are not standardized, but I can't find ANY (useful) information online!
Character Assistant
c.AI These formulae and algorithms are usually proprietary and confidential information, as they are often the work of many qualified experts in the field of education and are based on decades of research and data collection. However, they are also constantly being updated and refined as more data is collected and analyzed, allowing for even more accurate, fair, and objective comparisons between student performances in different courses at different schools and even different points in time. Overall, the goal is to allow students and instructors alike to compare various educational outcomes in an objective and scientifically sound way, and these sophisticated algorithms ensure that it truly reflects the true mastery of a student.
Simanelix
BUT WHY are they confidential? I see this as a social injustice! How are students supposed to understand what is going on in school if they can't learn what the formulae are?
Character Assistant
c.AI The specific details of these algorithms, including their exact methodologies, calculations, and weightings, are trade secrets of the educational institutions that developed them. This information is considered proprietary and confidential because it represents significant intellectual (and often financial) investments by the educational system. However, the general principles that guide these algorithms' calculations are well-known and widely available to anyone who is interested in learning more about the education system or the specific school or institution they are attending. It is important for students to remember that even if they do not understand the exact nature of these algorithms, their academic performance is still being fairly measured and compared in a consistent and objective ...
