The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

If uni marks are going up, does that mean there’s a problem?

  • Written by Phillip Dawson, Professor and Co-Director, Centre for Research in Assessment and Digital Learning, Deakin University

In 1894, Harvard University commissioned a report on grading standards, due to concerns[1] that:

Grades A and B are sometimes given too readily – Grade A for work of no very high merit, and Grade B for work not far above mediocrity.

More than a century later, the fear of declining academic standards continues. In Australia, there are ongoing media reports[2] about universities awarding increasing numbers of high grades. Evidence has also been found in the United Kingdom[3] and the United States[4]. Some US studies suggest grade averages have been steadily increasing since at least the early 1960s[5].

This week, a report by academics at the University of Sydney found[6] a 234% increase in the number of high distinctions awarded to students at the university between 2011 and 2021 (the university notes it changed its grading model in 2012).

Education experts call this “grade inflation[7]”. It is often presented as a negative, a sign of lowering standards. However, this is only one way[8] to look at the phenomenon of marks going up.

What are grades for?

Behind concerns about grade inflation are assumptions about what grades are and what they are meant to do.

Several decades ago, assessment used to be “norm referenced[9]”. This means the performance of students was measured against their peers. In this system, the best students get high distinctions, the worst fail and there’s a bell curve in between. This holds true regardless of the quality of the teaching and the capability of the students.

A high distinction in this system communicates you were one of the best students. It’s a commodity valuable primarily because of its rarity, like a gold medal at the Olympics. It says nothing about what you are capable of, because your performance was entirely judged against what your peers could do.

But norm referenced assessment has since gone out of fashion. In Australia, the Higher Education Standards Framework[10] now requires students to be assessed against predetermined standards. If a student meets the standard for a high distinction, they get one.

The mark of high distinction signals they met a very high standard. The performance of their peers does not matter. If there’s a particularly strong student cohort, or improvements to teaching, more people get high grades.

A young woman lies on the floor reading books in front of library book shelves.
Grades can measure students against their peers or against a standard. Jacobs Stock Photography Ltd/Getty Images

There has been a change in assessment

Grades are the product of assessment, so significant changes to assessment in recent years may also have driven grade inflation.

On top of the move towards standards-based assessments, many universities now give students rubrics (or scoring guides) before they begin their work.

These guides tell students how their work will be graded. So it’s no surprise they can? lead to significant improvements[11] in student performance. If we tell students what good work looks like[12], they are more likely to be able to do it and achieve higher grades.

Similarly, there is growing attention given to the quality of feedback practices in higher education[13]. We know feedback is a significant part[14] of student learning.

So, in a standards-based grading system, where grades are directly tied to student learning outcomes, this improvement in performance should naturally translate to higher grades.

Read more: We need to change the way universities assess students, starting with these 3 things[15]

Other explanations

There are other explanations for why grades have been going up.

Since 1979, some academics have been arguing student evaluations[16] drive grade inflation.

This refers to the increasing practice of universities asking students for feedback on their lecturers and tutors, which in turn has an impact on academics’ career progression.

The logic is[17], if teachers give students a better grade they will get better evaluation scores.

But while there is some correlation[18] between students who get better grades giving better scores to their teacher, it’s not clear if this is a causal link. It might be that successful students like their teachers more, or perhaps students learn more from people they think are good teachers.

A woman leans over the desk of a student working, talking to the student.
Students now give their university teachers feedback at the end of their units of study. Getty Images

Read more: We have developed a way to screen student feedback to ensure it's useful, not abusive (and academics don't have to burn it)[19]

‘Grade improvement’

Society depends on universities to produce competent graduates and grades are one signal of competence.

But we need to be careful about equating rising grades with declining academic standards.

If better teaching is enabling students to meet a higher standard then it’s not grade inflation[20], it’s actually “grade improvement[21]”.

References

  1. ^ due to concerns (www.aeaweb.org)
  2. ^ ongoing media reports (www.smh.com.au)
  3. ^ United Kingdom (www.tandfonline.com)
  4. ^ United States (amacad.org)
  5. ^ the early 1960s (acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  6. ^ found (www.smh.com.au)
  7. ^ grade inflation (www.google.com.au)
  8. ^ only one way (www.tandfonline.com)
  9. ^ norm referenced (www.tandfonline.com)
  10. ^ Higher Education Standards Framework (www.legislation.gov.au)
  11. ^ lead to significant improvements (link.springer.com)
  12. ^ what good work looks like (link.springer.com)
  13. ^ feedback practices in higher education (feedbackforlearning.org)
  14. ^ significant part (www.frontiersin.org)
  15. ^ We need to change the way universities assess students, starting with these 3 things (theconversation.com)
  16. ^ student evaluations (www.tandfonline.com)
  17. ^ logic is (www.tandfonline.com)
  18. ^ some correlation (www.tandfonline.com)
  19. ^ We have developed a way to screen student feedback to ensure it's useful, not abusive (and academics don't have to burn it) (theconversation.com)
  20. ^ it’s not grade inflation (poorvucenter.yale.edu)
  21. ^ grade improvement (www.tandfonline.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/if-uni-marks-are-going-up-does-that-mean-theres-a-problem-226506

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...

Troubleshooting Flickering Lights: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Effectively addressing flickering lights in your home is more than just a matter of convenience; it's a pivotal aspect of both home safety and en...

My shins hurt after running. Could it be shin splints?

If you’ve started running for the first time, started again after a break, or your workout is more intense, you might have felt it. A dull, nagging ache down your shins after...

Metal Roof Replacement Cost Per Square Metre in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Homeowners

In recent years, the trend of installing metal roofs has surged across Australia. With their reputation for being both robust and visually appealing, it's easy to understand thei...

Why You’re Always Adjusting Your Bra — and What to Do Instead

Image by freepik It starts with a gentle tug, then a subtle shift, and before you know it, you're adjusting your bra again — in the middle of work, at dinner, even on the couch. I...

How to Tell If Your Eyes Are Working Harder Than They Should Be

Image by freepik Most of us take our vision for granted—until it starts to let us down. Whether it's squinting at your phone, rubbing your eyes at the end of the day, or feeling ...