Will This Be Graded?

As a teacher, I am asked a lot of questions each day. Questions like:
“Is there homework?”
“When is this due?”
“We had homework?”
“What do I do with this handout?”
“Can I go to the bathroom?”
“Why do I have to take math?”
“Why are you wearing one brown and one black sock?”

What question do I dislike the most?

“Will this be graded?”

I hate hearing this question because it goes against everything we work for at McAuliffe. It is the antithesis of a growth mindset. When a student asks this question, it’s not idle curiosity. He or she is gauging his/her level of effort. That student is motivated by the grade not the learning.

At our school, we are all about learning not achieving grades. Grades are an external motivation. If you get great grades, your parents are pleased and you’ll probably get lots of praise and that feels really good. Everyone likes praise, it’s only natural. Getting poor grades probably assures that your parents will be on your case and no one wants that, right?

But, what happens when praise and punishment are removed? What happens in high school where your parents don’t see everything you do? What happens when you go to college and your parents are not there to praise or ride you for every quiz, test or paper?

As you grow, you must be able to achieve without a daily pat on the back or the threat of punishment. Motivation must come from within. As a future high school and college student, you must learn how to take satisfaction from learning something new and take pride in doing high-quality work even if no one provides praise. That should be one of your most important goals going forward - learning how to motivate yourself and not relying on praise or punishment from others.

Don’t get me wrong, taking pride in your work and achieving good grades are wonderful things, but they are a byproduct of a growth mindset where learning is the ultimate goal and provides its own reward.