Title of the study

An analytical study on the grading and ranking system to evaluate the

academic performance of SSLC students in trichur corporation– with special
reference to teacher’s perception.

Introduction

The previously followed system for assessing the curriculum knowledge of a

student by ranking was replaced by grading where a student is put under a category
rather than in a particular position. The change aimed at introducing a new way of
assessment, compromising unhealthy competition among students, and also
unadvisable parental pressure, which might hinder the comprehensive development of
the student. The procedure which involves in the process of grading is considered
more scientific and student friendly when compared to the former. The system was
introduced after a lot of discussions which drew a lot of criticisms , corrections from
the academic community and also applauses from all walks of life

Scope/Importance of the study

Two years have passed since the introduction of the system and it is presumed
that evaluation being an inevitable part of any scientific implementation, a study
evaluating the present grading system covering its overall performance in terms of
assessing curriculum knowledge against the previous one will be worth the time and
effort committed.
The study also aims to have a better and documented fact file about what teachers
perceive about the present grading system, how far it is done with the consensus of
the teachers and also apprehensions if any pertaining to any aspect of the grading
system.

General objective of the study

 An analytical study on the ranking and grading system to evaluate the

academic performance of 10th standard students in trichur corporation - with
special reference to teachers preference.

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Specific Objective

 To identify whether grading fulfilled its objectives and if not why.

 To point out the vulnerabilities of the system.
 To study the socio-demographic profile of the respondents.
 To analyze whether grading is more scientific than ranking.
 To know whether grading decreased the tension level of students
 To understand teachers preference among the two.
 To identify areas where improvement is needed.
 To identify its advantages and disadvantages.

Hypothesis
1. There is a significant association between the scientific nature of
grading and the preference for the same
2. There is a relationship between the Holistic nature of the evaluation
under grading and the teachers’ preference for the grading system
3. There is a relationship between the Reduction of the tension level of
children and the preference of teachers for the grading system
4. There is significant association between the advantages of grading
system and the preference for grading system indirectly indicating the
improvement in the assessment of children.

Definition of concept
Theoretical –
Grading –
a : to arrange in grades b : to arrange in a scale or series c : to assign to a grade or
assign a grade .

Ranking –
a: to arrange in lines or in a regular formation
b: to determine the relative position.

Scientific

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 A :of or pertaining to science or the sciences: scientific studies
B : systematic or accurate in the manner of an exact science

Academic performance –
Of, relating to, or characteristic of a school, especially one of higher learning.
Relating to studies that are liberal or classical rather than technical or vocational.
Relating to scholarly performance.

Perception –
The process, act , or faculty of perceiving.
The effect or product of perceiving.

Operational
Grading –
A system of evaluating whereby a student is declared to posses a grade
having a certain minimum and maximum limit of mark. A grade is a category
having its own distinctive set of features.

Rank –
A rank is a definite position and a particular number in the hierarchy of
students, generally in the ascending order of their academic marks.

Scientific
The prescribed way by which grading is to be done by the teacher. Grading
with due attention and without biases

Academic performance –
The level of knowledge of a student with regard to his curriculum.

Perception –
View point / preference

Pilot study

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 In order to understand the feasibility of the study, the researcher visited the
B.Ed college and held discussions with a prominent faculty who provided highly
relevant feedback and also supported the cause. Upon requesting whether such a study
is justified or not , the faculty categorically assured me that it is a topic that has been
due for a study and also intimated his desire to have a copy of the study and this
boosted the morale of the researcher. The pilot study also strengthened the social
workers assumption that such a study is worth the time, money and effort committed
for it.

Tools of data collection

The researcher prepared a questionnaire which covered all aspects of the

present grading system which the researcher wanted to concentrate on .The
questionnaire comprised of 48 Questions and it was given to the teachers with the
prior permission of the authorities.

Literature study

The history of grading system in the state dates back to 2003 and books on the
subject are yet to be published. However literatures from British journals have helped
the Researcher immensely in the study and a number of articles that were published.
In the news papers also contributed to the literature for the study. The British
Council’s database was used extensively in the studies.

Universe

The researcher conducted the study among the teachers ,the universe being
Trichur corporation.

Sampling

The researcher adopted simple random sampling method .The researcher tried
to collect data from teachers of both government and private schools. The researcher
initially aimed to equally collect data from the two genders but reluctance and

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lukewarm response from the male teachers compromised the equitable distribution of
the questionnaire.

Research Design

Research design is the systematic planning of research to permit valid

conclusion which follows widely accepted rules and patterns of procedure .In this
study , the researcher followed a descriptive study.

Tools of data collection

A questionnaire covering the aspects which are concentrated in this study was
provided to the teachers and data was given and the open ended and objective
questions helped. to retrieve data from the teachers.

Data analysis and Interpretation

The collected data was analyzed under each objective. Based on the facts and
figures obtained by analyzing the data , interpretation was made. Researcher used
certain statistical measures such as Karl Pearson’s co-efficient of correlation and chi-
square test.

Chapterisation
The whole report is divided into five chapters
Chapter 1 : Introduction
Chapter 2 : Review of Literature
Chapter 3 : Research Methodology
Chapter 4 : Data analysis and Interpretation
Chapter 5 : Conclusion and Suggestions

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