Word: methods
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Dates: during 1870-1879
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...Marking System" is what the best authorities have been pleased to call the method of marking now existing at Harvard; but even to the recently initiated this word "system" must seem a keen bit of sarcasm. The great errors and injuries of the present system are so well known that any consideration of them on our part is unnecessary. We trust, however, that we shall not seem too presumptuous if we venture to suggest a remedy. It certainly requires no great ability to compare the results of established systems with the evils of the vacillating method in use here...
...marks were possible and useful under the old method of required studies; they are absolutely impossible under the new method of electives...
...first objection to this method that suggests itself is that it would give no way of advancing the classes. We reply that examination would answer every purpose, - not such examination as we have at present, nor, indeed, the exaggerated English system; but a system which should combine the present method and the English thoroughness and fairness, which should announce merely failure, success, or excellence, and not parade results before the public in a deceitful rank-list...
...second objection, and the chief one with instructors, is that scholarships could not be assigned. It is a delicate matter to tell a student that he is unfit for a scholarship when his rank is not based on definite marks. In other words, a false and injurious method is to be maintained, because, forsooth, instructors are afraid to speak the truth unless it is shielded in a specious disguise. It is strange that they do not see that it is all the same, whether they tell a student outright, or mark him and then tell him. However, special examinations...
...third objection is that Commencement Parts could not be assigned; and this seems insurmountable. But what if Commencement Parts were not assigned? Would much be lost? Under the present method those who are most capable of offering interesting parts often fail to attain them through their devotion to difficult courses. But if exercises at Commencement must be had, would not treatises in different branches by students who have won distinction therein be more interesting than the present exercises? Indeed, they could not well be less...