In a lot of countries, formal exams are perceived as an indicator of a student’s academic success. While the grades obtained by a student are linked to their understanding of a subject, there are a few drawbacks to this system which in my opinion, outweigh its benefits.
On one hand, assessments help students identify not just their strengths but also their areas of weakness. Over a period of time, this analysis can be used to hone their skills effectively. According to a study published by a group of doctors in California, students who received 60 percent or more in their exams proved to have greater success in their future ventures.
On the other hand, a large number of students, who struggle with exam pressure, end up getting low grades even if they might have had a clear subject understanding. This affects their motivation and all future prospects. Personally, I have faced this issue several times in my academic life, which ultimately led to a lower self esteem and confidence.
Finally, in my opinion, the drawbacks of educational assessments weigh down the positives. When educational institutions measure the abilities of a student only by looking at these marks, other essential factors, such as their interests in practical aspects of a subject and ability to perform in non-stressful situations are ignored.
To conclude, although many people might argue that grades obtained by a student are the sole way to measure their success, I think that, considering the fact that not every person is the same and performs differently under pressure, utilizing formal exams as a medium to evaluate a student has more negative impacts than positives.