The other day I came across a very interesting graphic that I wanted to share here, since it is relevant to the many current and future college students and educators in FIRST:
Also check out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grade_inflation
The basic point: All else equal, average grade point averages have climbed dramatically - across the board, but more so at some institutions than others - over the past 50 years.
This plot intrigues me because it is no doubt an artifact of a very complicated inter-relationship of social and economic factors...
* Is the profit of universities and colleges the main motivating factor (failing students tend to drop out early and don't donate to their alma mater)? If so, is grade inflation really in their long-term best interest?
* Is the phenomenon illusory, and explained away by improved primary and secondary education?
* Has a culture of parents ready to complain when their child fails scared the educational institution away from giving low marks?
* How does this mesh with today's prevailing "everybody must go to college" mentality?
* What, if anything, should be done about it?
What are your thoughts?