Higher Grading Standards and Academic Motivation: Perceptions of Students and Teachers in a Lagos (Nigeria) Private Secondary School

Abstract

Abstract This study used qualitative research method to investigate the views of students and teachers of a private secondary school in Lagos State, Nigeria on whether higher grading standards motivate students. The study was prompted by the decision of the management of the school to increase its grading standard. To guide the study, 10 students and 7 teachers participated in the study. Data were generated using interview technique which centred on three objectives or themes of the study. However, the second objective of the study was targeted at the students, while the third objective or theme was targeted at the teachers. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the perceptions of the students and teachers. The findings revealed that higher grading standards motivate students to study harder and that higher standards benefit both high-achievers and low-achievers. Considering that the study was the first attempt to investigate the issue as it concerns Nigeria, suggestions were made on future studies.

Keywords

• Keywords: Grade, grading standards, perception, academic motivation