The Impact of Grades on Student Well-being and Long-term Success: Rethinking Academic Achievement
In American schools, the pressure to achieve perfect grades and high test scores is immense, often seen as the key to gaining entry into elite colleges and prestigious careers. However, research suggests that this relentless focus on academic performance can lead to significant stress, anxiety, and a decrease in creativity and motivation among students. This video explores the drawbacks of the current grading system and examines alternative approaches that may foster a healthier and more effective learning environment.
Key Vocabulary:
1. Academic Achievement (noun)
- Definition: success in educational activities
- Synonym: scholastic success
2. Anxiety (noun)
- Definition: a feeling of worry or nervousness
- Synonym: stress
3. Self-Worth (noun)
- Definition: the sense of one's own value or worth as a person
- Synonym: self-esteem
4. Motivation (noun)
- Definition: the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way
- Synonym: drive
5. Standardised Test (noun)
- Definition: a test administered and scored in a consistent manner
- Synonym: uniform exam
6. Creativity (noun)
- Definition: the use of imagination or original ideas to create something
- Synonym: inventiveness
7. Risk-Taking (noun)
- Definition: the act of doing something that involves danger or risk
- Synonym: daring
8. Mental Health (noun)
- Definition: a person's condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being
- Synonym: emotional well-being
9. Prestigious (adjective)
- Definition: inspiring respect and admiration; having high status
- Synonym: esteemed
10. Correlate (verb)
- Definition: have a mutual relationship or connection
- Synonym: relate
11. Vocational (adjective)
- Definition: relating to an occupation or employment
- Synonym: occupational
12. Graduation Rate (noun)
- Definition: the percentage of students who complete their studies and earn a degree
- Synonym: completion rate
13. Valedictorian (noun)
- Definition: the student with the highest academic achievements in a class who delivers the valedictory at a graduation ceremony
- Synonym: top student
14. Well-Being (noun)
- Definition: the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy
- Synonym: welfare
15. Self-Esteem (noun)
- Definition: confidence in one's own worth or abilities
- Synonym: self-respect
Understanding and using these key vocabulary words can significantly enhance your ability to discuss and analyse important aspects of education and personal development.
10 Engaging Conversation Questions:
1. How do you think academic achievement impacts a student's future career?
2. What are some common causes of anxiety among students, and how can they be addressed?
3. Why do you think self-worth is often linked to academic performance?
4. What are some effective ways to maintain motivation in school?
5. How do standardised tests influence a student's educational experience?
6. In what ways can creativity be encouraged in a school setting?
7. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of risk-taking in academic pursuits?
8. How does maintaining good mental health contribute to academic success?
9. Why might prestigious universities be appealing to students, and are they always the best choice?
10. How important do you think vocational training is compared to traditional academic education?
Discussing these questions can help deepen your understanding of the educational system and its impact on student well-being and success.