Journal of Educational Sciences > Volume 2, No. 1, 1990

The Evaluation of Students’ Academic Records / J.M. Labani

The evaluation process of students’ academic records was investigated with the aim of determining its soundness and, if necessary. providing an alternative.  
The records of 638 students from various disciplines were investigated. The variation of the results was found to be unacceptably large. An alternative process. utilizing statistical analysis. is proposed. The proposed process is based on the normal statistical distribution of qualities, abilities and work product of the members of a community which, in the short term. is assumed to be constant, and replaces the subjective basis of the present process of evaluation.
Comparisons between actual and analytical results. and between statistical parameters relating to both results. have shown that: (a) the fixed, and comparatively large. weight given to the final examina- tion is unnecessary, and (b) 64% of the students are presently awarded grades not compatible with their academic records in comparison with those of their colleagues.
Adoption of the proposed process of evaluation by institutions of higher education is recommended. Institutions of general education are recommended to alter present procedures