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Alex Chediak

Helping young adults thrive at college and beyond

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More on Grade Inflation and Student Academic Performance

July 5, 2010 by Alex Chediak

A few weeks ago I wrote about Student Evaluations, Grade Inflation, and Declining Student Academic Effort. In short, the data unambiguously reveals:
1. Average GPAs are higher than in past times: The average college GPA has rised from the 2.5 or 2.6 range in about 1960 to well over 3.0 today.
At some prestigious private universities, like Harvard, 50% of students receive As in courses. On the one hand, Harvard is only drawing from the most promising, most academically gifted students in the nation. On the other hand, such a practice still degrades the meaning of an “A” at Harvard, as Harvey Mansfield discusses.
2. Students are spending less time studying at college. A National Bureau of Economic Research report (unavailable on the Internet, but which I’ve perused) reveals: “In 1961, the average student spent 40 hours a week engaged in their studies—attending class and studying. By 2003, this had declined by nearly one-third to 27 hours weekly.”
In response to these findings, one naturally wonders: Are students perhaps getting both smarter (hence higher grades) and more efficient in their study methods (hence less study time, and more time for a part-time off-campus job, etc.), perhaps due to the advance of interactive technology, which facilitates and streamlines the learning process? I don’t deny that such technology can be very helpful; I employ it in my own classes and am pleased with the results. But having reviewed some research, I don’t think students are on average stronger than their predecessors. They may in fact be weaker. First, mean SAT scores of college-bound high school seniors have decreased in the last 40 years by about 6-8%. In addition, reports indicate that students are increasingly disengaged from their studies (Saenz et al., 2007) and that the literacy of graduates has declined (Kutner et al., 2006). [These papers are cited in this publication.]
Last but not least, an important and widely cited new book discusses a vast array of data on the connection between rising levels of self-esteem and narcissism among college students and declining performance. I’ve read about 70 pages of Twenge and Campbell’s book so far and find it (like Twenge’s previous book) to be a well-articulated analysis of the culture and ethos of the rising generation.

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With One Voice

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Praise for With One Voice

This relatively short book packs a powerful bang for the buck, providing much biblical and practical advice for young men and women seeking to glorify God in relationships.

Alex and Brett Harris
Best-selling authors of Do Hard Things

Alex and Marni Chediak offer sound biblical advice and a clear Christian framework for working through the maze of confusions surrounding modern marriage.

R. Albert Mohler, Jr., President
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Publishers have been cranking out books with all sorts of directions to help Christians navigate the treacherous waters between the buoys of singleness and marriage, and I know of none that is more clear, concise and helpful than With One Voice.

J. Ligon Duncan, III Ph.D.
Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church

With One Voice is clearly written and God-centered. Our eighteen year-old daughter just read it and restrained herself from underlining nearly the whole thing!

Dr. Bruce A. Ware
Professor of Christian Theology
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

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